Next up for the boxer profile/legacy is Cruiserweight contender, Leo Banks. As previously, I will have both positive, and negative things to say. I do not see Banks as the stand out contender, not even close.
His speed. Speed is where Banks really stands out. He has blinding speed. I don’t think their is a Cruiserweight in EBU history that could match him for speed.
True sportsmanship. He doesn’t get involved in any kind of wars of words. I really respect this and think that many EBU boxers should take a leaf out of Leo’s book. Always polite to his opponent and is quick to shake hands and show respect during the fight.
Generosity. His purse is split like this. 50% to his team and food. 40% to charity. 10% he keeps. He mainly lives off his sponsorship money. He uses his boxing to help improve the lives of others.
Home town fighter. Some don’t like this. They believe that home town fighters just want home town advantage. I disagree. I think home town fighters are looking out for their fans.
Took the easy route. I blame his promoter, but he has taken the easiest possible route to title contention. He has made a habit of fighting old legends, boxers with big names but fading skills. I cant think of one top ranked boxer he has faced that was in their prime or under the age of 28.
Avoids certain boxers. Again, his promoters fault. They have clearly put a high importance on the unbeaten tag because they have never let Banks get in the ring with anyone that could beat him, and there are people that could beat him.
Possible doping. He has hasn’t been tested in over two years, apparently. It would seem that he has put effort into missing the testers. He once left venue 10 minutes after getting back to his dressing room. He had been told he was to be tested.
Suspicious chin. EBU rules state that Heavyweights and cruiserweights must wear 12-16 ounce gloves. This is a great rule because it delivers knockouts. Most Heavyweights pick 14 ounce gloves. At Cruiserweight, Banks is the only fighter to insist on 16 ounce gloves. This leads me to believe that he has concerns about his jaw.
Weight issues. He apparently walks around at 16 s 7 lbs. On 4 occasions he has been fined for weighing in above the limit. He once weighed 14 s 10 lbs. That’s easily Heavyweight and shows lack of professionalism.
O.G.Bond
English Boxing Union 