Kelsey Leonard declares her potential to claim the title of boxing world champion.
In the heart of Naas, a warren of industrial estates, lies the UNIT 3 Boxing Club - a gym known for its focus on real-life scenarios and proper padwork. This is where eight-time Irish amateur champion, Kelsey Leonard, is honing her skills for her professional debut on August 2nd in Belfast.
Leonard, a 6ft 2ins lightweight boxer, has been adjusting her training to accommodate the shorter two-minute rounds of professional boxing. Her coach, Niall Barrett, is conducting infighting drills during the morning session, emphasizing safety and brain health - a focus that Leonard herself mentions.
Coach Barrett's commitment to brain health and minimizing head impact during training is evident in the training methods at UNIT 3. This approach aligns with Leonard's ambitious goal of becoming a world champion and potentially multiple-time world champion.
The gym, which has expanded significantly in the past couple of years, features a full-scale ring, a recovery center, and a hot tub, cold plunge, and sauna. This comprehensive facility is essential for Leonard, as transitioning into professional boxing can be financially challenging, with each fight costing between four and five grand.
Leonard's first professional fight will be against winless journeywoman Kira Carter. The fight will be broadcast on the Spórt TG4 YouTube channel, giving Irish boxing fans a chance to witness Leonard's debut. Despite the financial challenges, Leonard's passion for boxing, which started at age 9 after receiving a flier for her local club in the Curragh, drives her forward.
The UNIT 3 Boxing Club prides itself on its progressive training environment, catering to boxers of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals. Beginners are paired with a coach, ensuring individualized attention and a structured progression in skills, including padwork. The gym's philosophy is centered on practical, disciplined training and athlete well-being, with a focus on real gym guidance and no-nonsense nutrition advice.
While specific details about the training method and philosophy for padwork and risk management at UNIT 3 are not explicitly provided, the gym's emphasis on coach-guided training, safe technique, and injury prevention suggests a commitment to these areas. Direct coach supervision and beginner-coach pairing likely serve to manage injury risks by ensuring correct technique and appropriate intensity during padwork and drills.
As Kelsey Leonard prepares for her professional debut, the UNIT 3 Boxing Club continues to provide her with the perfect environment to hone her skills and achieve her ambitious goals. Fans can tune in to the Spórt TG4 YouTube channel on August 2nd to witness this exciting moment in Irish boxing.
The UNIT 3 Boxing Club, with its focus on practical, disciplined training and athlete well-being, offers a progressive environment for boxers, including sports like boxing. Kelsey Leonard, an eight-time Irish amateur champion, trains here, adjusting her skills for her professional debut in Belfast, which will be broadcast on the Spórt TG4 YouTube channel.
