Kieran Leinster
PZ: How did you first get into boxing?
KL: I started training at a place called Combat Company where I was trained by Nathan ‘Mr Bag & Tag’ Jones and Chase ‘Illmatic’ Morton. I initially started in MMA and then Peter Simon came into the gym and I started to enjoy the boxing side of things more, and just felt that much more comfortable with this side of the martial disciplines.
PZ: Tell me about your amateur career.
KL: No. I fought on unlicensed bouts but no amateur experience.
PZ: Tell me about your fight history with Queensbury Boxing League to date.
KL: I’ve had two fights and two wins. My first fight was very very scrappy as I was a come forward pressure fighter back then/ come brawler, whereas now, as I showed in my last fight I used my boxing skills, footwork, lateral movement and work the angle to attack my opponents or defend myself. That last fight, against Alexander Anderson made me the new Southern Area champion! It was a real war, but a great fight. I’m working my way up the ladder and am aiming for the English title.
PZ: What do you know about John Hefford?
KL: He’s got a good record – won eight and drawn one. He’s a bit older and taller than me and he’s come down from super middle, so I know he will be bringing power with his unorthodox boxing style. I’ve seen him fight and I know our styles and workrates will make for great viewing.
PZ: Any messages for him if he’s reading this article?
KL: Yeah. Look forward to seeing you on February the 8th, but unfortunately you are not getting in the way of me winning another title. All respect where it’s due, but we both know that title is mine.
PZ: How’s the training camp been going?
KL: It’s been going fantastically. Me and my coach work really well together, like two peas in a pod. Don’t get me wrong – it’s not a holiday camp! Getting up very early every morning to get the roadwork in and then get the sparring fitted in during the evenings is difficult. It’s not an easy game boxing and the training makes you hungry for the win.
I train very hard and don’t cut any corners. I know the second I jump into that ring that I’ve done all the hard work.
PZ: Tell me a bit more about the team around you
KL: My coach is Peter Simon who has been in the game for years and is meticulous. I basically listen to him to whatever he tells me what to do. He has a tunnel vision picture in his head of where he wants me to be by the end of the training camp, so I don’t question or challenge him, I just get on with it.
Every training camp we finish, I feel like he’s added another piece to the puzzle of improving my boxing. The guys I train with at the gym are fantastic, which includes everybody from St Andrew’s Boxing Gym in Victoria and I’ve been sparring many new stronger and bigger opponents which has really helped to raise my game.
Having my family around me is always a massive factor to giving me self belief. With the correct team around me, I feel untouchable.
PZ: Tell the readers one thing about yourself which not many people know.
KL: My favourite colour is purple, as you may see by my shorts on fight night! Also – I use about three different types of moisturiser on my face!
PZ: If you could spar three rounds with any past boxing legend, who would it be?
KL: Arturo Gatti. I loved his style, his confidence and raw determination.
John Hefford
PZ: How did you first get into boxing?
JH: Always been a boxing fan plus a few of my friends growing up boxed an I’d do a bit of training but always put football first. I was about 23 or 24 and my friend asked about fighting on a white collar and went on from there
PZ: Tell me about your amateur career.
JH: Never had one.
PZ: Tell me about your fight history with Queensbury Boxing League to date.
JH: Well I went for a trial last July and had my first fight back in September. I really enjoyed the whole experience as it was so different to anything I’ve done before. They make you feel like a star. I didn’t box to my ability at all but I’m hoping to show exactly what I’m about come Feb 8th.
PZ: What do you know about Kieran Leinster?
JH: Seen a couple of his fights and he’s not fought at this level. He can only beat what’s in front of him so we will find out how good he really is?
PZ: Any messages for him if he’s reading this article?
JH: Good luck to him and May the best man win an the loser can buy the beers after!
PZ: How’s the training camp been going?
JH: Really well everything’s gone to plan. Had great sparring couldn’t ask for no more.
PZ: Tell me a bit more about the team around you.
JH: I’ve been with my trainer since I started and he hasn’t failed me so far so he must be doing something right. Plus the sparing he gets me with pros is second to none so I’ll be more than ready come the 8th.
PZ: If you could spar three rounds with any past boxing legend, who would it be?
JH: Roy Jones in his prime.
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