Focus Fitness are Leon McKenzie’s proud main sponsors for his upcoming super-middle weight fight for the English title. With a huge buzz around his name we thought there was no better time than now to find out how he ended up jumping from a successful 18-year football career to going it big with boxing.
You have been boxing for only 3 years and are already competing, how did you end up going through this transition of sports?
“I come from a family of boxing champions, boxing has always been in my life. I have also been an athlete all my life I played professional football for 18years. After meeting with one of the guys at Focus Fitness UK I started a personal training course and then naturally I just developed into a more serious career in boxing. It was just the right timing. I always wanted to do boxing but it was overshadowed by football. I always wanted to be able to achieve in boxing given the opportunity.”
Do you have a highlight from your years playing football?
“I have many! My first pro goal, first premiership goal and also a winning goal against Manchester united.”
As well as being a great sportsman in the boxing and football world you also dabbled in personal training after completing your course with Focus Fitness are you going to back into that?
“Yes I wouldn’t say I had a career in personal training yet, I’m still looking to pursue more in the industry. Having done all with you guys at Focus fitness you have been great to work with.”
What advice would you give to PT’s starting out?
“work hard and be the best you can be. You have to put your all in or it just won’t work. “
What is the hardest thing you’ve come across during your career in the fitness world so far?
“The paper work exams on the course (hahaha!!) but I managed to get it done so I’m sure all the guys on further courses can pass with a little bit of hard work.
Now it’s quite close to the big day, what’s your training schedule like?
“I train everyday apart from Sunday as I keep that free to spend with my family and kids! I love going for runs so I do that quiet a lot! Fitness is my life, Its part of me. So wherever I am I’m always keeping active.
You are a strong supporter of mental health due to your own personal experience. Can you tell me a bit about that?
“Depression, I lost family to suicide and attempted to take my own life, Mental health has always been a big part in my life. I always say to people going through hard times don’t hide from it; get all the help available and don’t beat yourself up! Don’t kid yourself. don’t feel alone. be brave and speak out on your demons that’s the first step in showing courage”
Leon, the best of luck for your fight and we can’t wait to watch you in action!
