Amid his preparations for the World Amateur Championships later this year, 2012 Golden Gloves Light-Flyweight Champion Leroy Davila got in touch with Ringnews24.com to answer a few questions about his life and career in boxing.
Ringnews24.com: What age did you start boxing and what inspired you to become a fighter?
I started boxing at age 20. I was introduced to a friend’s father who was a trainer and he talked me into boxing.
Ringnews24.com: Aside from boxing do you have any hobbies or other interests?
I love to go to different places such as streets, schools, boot camps, etc. to speak with the kids and encourage them.
Ringnews24.com: What is your current amateur record and what have you achieved so far?
I am currently 36-11 and my achievements are as follows:
4x NJ Golden Glove Champion
4x NJ State Champion
2012 USA Championships Silver Medalist
2012 Golden Glove Nationals Champion
2012 NJ Boxing Hall Of Fame Fighter Of The Year Inductee
2012 National Pal Gold Medalist
2013 Independence Cup Silver Medalist held in Santiago, Dominican Republic
2013 USA Championships Gold Medalist
2013 Cheo Aponte Gold Medalist held in Caguas, Puerto Rico
2013 Olympic Cup Gold Medalist held in Salinas, Puerto Rico
Ringnews24.com: When are you looking to make the step up from amateur to professional?
I’m looking to turn professional after the 2016 Olympics.
Ringnews24.com: Do you have any short or long-term goals within the sport, and if so, have have you set a timescale in which to achieve them?
My short-term goal is to make the 2016 Olympics and long-term to someday become a world champion.
Ringnews24.com: Who is your current trainer and where do you train?
My current trainer is Steve Rivera and we train at New Brunswick Boxing Club and Fitness.
Ringnews24.com: Do you always stay in shape between fights or do you put on a lot of weight?
I’m always in shape – at anytime I can be called to fight. I do put on weight but I lose it pretty fast.
Ringnews24.com: Who has been the biggest influence in your career so far?
I have my mother, brother and my cousin, and my fiancée has played a major part in my career.
Ringnews24.com: Who did you look up to growing up in boxing and who was your idol?
Growing up I looked up to my brother – my mother taught us how to fight but since he was older he had the chance to use the skill and I just watched. I didn’t really watch boxing when I was younger so at that time I didn’t have an idol. When I got older I watched and my idol became Sugar Ray Leonard.
Ringnews24.com: Do you like watching boxing when you’re at home and if so, which boxers do you like watching most?
I always watch boxing at home and everywhere I go. I like to watch Floyd, Andre Ward, some old Roy Jones, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Pernell Whitaker.
Ringnews24.com: Who is the toughest opponent you have fought?
No disrespect to anyone I have fought but I’m my toughest opposition I feel. I’ve had some great opponents but none were really tough, only I can make it tough for myself.
Ringnews24.com: What would you say is your biggest win to date?
I believe every win is big but winning the USA championship means a lot because I became a part of the USA team and I am able to showcase my talent on a world level.
Ringnews24.com: What is going on with your boxing career right now – can you tell everyone when, where and against whom you’ll be fighting next?
Right now I’m competing internationally, getting ready for the world tournament in November. I will be leaving to the Ukraine on the 5th of July and competing.
