Exclusive Boxing Interview: Leo Nolan

The Waiting Game Boxing heavyweight and Detroit native Leo Nolan has been having a difficult time as of late. He’s got a couple belts, an unblemished record and a phone that hasn’t rung since August. SaddoBoxing got in contact with Nolan in Florida after a midday workout to find out what his plans are.

SaddoBoxing: Good afternoon, Leo; let me start by asking East side? West side?

Leo Nolan: (laughs) “East side.”

SB: You’re currently 26-0 with 10 knockouts; who’s up next?

LN: “I have no idea, I’m just staying in shape until the next fight. I’m getting married on the 28th.”

SB: Congratulations, my wife and I have an anniversary coming up on the 1st. With only 10 KO’s, you don’t have a high knockout percentage; do you see yourself more as an endurance fighter? Would you like to finish more opponents?

LN: “Well, early on I was trying not for the knockouts; I wanted the ring experience. I don’t consider myself as a heavy hitter; I like to box. Outpoint them and out hit them.”

SB: You stay in shape, so if you got a call Friday to fight someone Saturday, you’d be ready?

LN: “Oh yeah, I don’t like them calls, but oh yeah.”

SB: Your fight with Lou Savarese was your first 12 round fight; are you angling for more?

LN: “Oh yeah, I would love it, yes.”

SB: What’s your plan to break into the top ten?

LN: “I’m hoping to be one of those underdog fighters. They just look at my record and call, not looking at me as a threat and I shock them.”

SB: What’s your motivation to continue boxing as opposed to getting a nine to five where you don’t have to worry about getting hit?

LN: “I haven’t reached the goal or shown my potential. Until I do, or my body can’t do it, I’m going to continue boxing.”

SB: I read an interview where you talked about being shot and going to prison; I understand how prison changed you, but mentally, what did those gunshots do to you?

LN: “That was a good eye opener. It’s true that your life flashes before your eyes. Back then on that road, on that path I knew the next step was six feet under and I’m not ready to go that road yet.”

SB: You don’t do anything other than box to make ends meet?

LN: “Right, I’m dedicating boxing full time but I wanna go back for some business classes.”

SB: Do you have family still in Detroit?

LN: “Yes, my whole family is in Detroit. My fiancee is in Detroit. I’m going to bring her down here, though, I’m going to be living here (Florida) or the next four years.”

SB: Are your children interested in getting into boxing?

LN: “No – well my son just turned four, so I don’t know what he wants to do yet. My daughters are 17 and 16 and they want to go in the medical field.”

SB: What if one of them turned around and said, “Dad, I want to box.” ?

LN: “I would encourage them. I wouldn’t want to train them but I would want to be a part of it. I’ve seen a lot of guys whose fathers trained them but I would be too overprotective of them. I’d hire a trainer.”

SB: I’d love to hear when you have something, when you finally have a fight. Do you have a website?

LN: “No. The promotion company has a website. It’s www.silverhawkboxing.com.”

SB: Well, I thank you for your time. Good luck in the future.

LN: “Okay. Thank you.”