Leonard wins second professional bout
Kelsey Leonard had her second professional win against Zsanett Milak at the National Stadium Photo: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Kildare's Kelsey Leonard recorded the second win of her fledgling Professional Boxing Career when she outpointed tough Hungarian opponent, Milak Zsannet over four rounds on the JB Promotions event in the National Stadium on Friday night.
Leonard, who boxes out of UNIT 3 Health and Fitness under Coach and Manager, Niall Barrett, in Naas, opened her Professional Boxing career with a second-round stoppage of England’s Kira Carter in Belfast in August. Friday night’s opponent carried the same record as the Kildare boxer as she had a first-round stoppage in her debut professional fight so it was always going to be a difficult fight with no surprise that the fight went the four-round distance.
Speaking to the Kildare Nationalist after her victory Kelsey said she was delighted with the result at the venue where she fought many times as an amateur.
“I knew going into the fight she was a very dangerous opponent so I had to be switched on for the whole fight and not get complacent. I did feel in control for the whole fight and I think I managed my distance well and didn’t let her get too close. I was able to keep her at range and take my opportunities when they came,” Leonard explained.
The Kildare boxer got better as the fight went on and controlled the first three rounds by using her jab to keep the Hungarian at distance.
“In the fourth round I put the pressure on a bit more as I had confidence in my fitness so I knew I could keep the pace high and this was definitely my best round,” she continued.
“I had confidence that I won every round, I felt comfortable and in control for the whole fight. My team were happy with me in between the rounds and assured me that I was winning so I trust them and that reassured me,” Leonard added.
Explaining her fight plan Kelsey said, “The game plan going into the fight was to use my range, keep her at a distance with my jab and counter in between her exchanges. I executed this well throughout the fight. I knew I was the bigger fighter and I think my strength showed in those exchanges.”
Getting through four rounds gave Leonard confidence in her fitness and ability to step up to six rounds for her next fight.
.“I am out again in four weeks time in the Devenish, Belfast on the 8 November. It’s great to have another date so soon. I’m very grateful to Conlan Sport for the opportunity and to my manager Niall Barrett for keeping me so active. If all goes well, I’ll be 3-0 after 8 November and get one more fight to finish off the year,” Leonard told us.
Fighting in the National Stadium was familiar to Kelsey Leonard.
“Nothing compares to the feeling of fighting in front of my friends, family and supporters,” she enthused. “I’d like to thank every person that bought tickets for this fight and has supported me for this card, it doesn’t go unnoticed and it means so much.”
“I’d also like to thank all of my sponsors for all of their support all year, UNIT 3 Health and Fitness, The UNIT Recovery Room, Diva Coffee Co, Rewell Naas, Sli Beatha Floathouse, Brendan Conlan Motors, SDK Detailing, Fight Store Ireland, GDC Consultancy Ltd, EMCO Projects Ltd, The Ink Factory, Body Flow Pilates, Empowering Beauty, Leonard Motors, Warrior Wellness and Babs Daly my amazing photographer. Professional boxing can be very hard financially when you’re starting off so it means so much to have the help from these companies,” a delighted Kelsey Leonard concluded.
