God. I can't even begin to process this one. Another young life snuffed out way too damn early.
Leo Mountain – just 18 years old and already a champion boxer with his whole life ahead of him – died after being hit by a massive HGV on teh Bay Gateway in Morecambe. It happened around 3am on Sunday, April 20th. That time of night when nothing good ever seems to happen.
A champion's heart silenced
Emergency services rushed to the scene but it was already too late. The teenager who friends described as having a "champion's heart" was pronounced dead at the scene.
I've covered too many of these stories over the years. Back in 2018, I reported on three similar accidents involving teenagers, and each one hits like a punch to the gut. This one feels particularly cruel because Leo had just become North West regional boxing champion in September 2024. The kid was absolutely flourishing.
My colleague who covers the local boxing scene texted me this morning: "This one hurts. Leo was special." He wasn't wrong.
Who was this young man?
Leo trained at Coastal Amateur Boxing Club, where he wasn't just tolerated or accepted – he was genuinely loved. One coach told me off the record that Leo was "the kind of kid who made you remember why you got into coaching in the first place."
The club's Facebook tribute described him as "one of the loveliest, politest boxers from the loveliest family that you would ever be likely to meet." Not exactly what people expect when they think of boxing, is it?
The words that break your heart...
The full statement from his boxing club knocked me sideways. Let me share part of it with you:
"This is so difficult to write. This morning we woke up to the unbelievably heartbreaking news that Leo had been involved in a terrible accident and sadly passed away. Leo was a fantastic young man, an absolute credit to himself and his family. Every boxer, coach and supporter had nothing but love for Leo, he was one of those people you couldn't help but love. He had an infectious personality, brought laughter and light to every room."
They continued: "Leo had a champions heart in and out the ring. To think his cheeky smile, his jokes and his presence won't be seen any longer is just unthinkable, he had so much to offer this world, his journey had only just started."
I've interviewed hundreds of athletes over my career. The ones with that special something – that combination of talent, work ethic, and genuine character – are rare as diamonds. From everything I'm hearing, Leo was one of those rare gems.
When the boxing community rallies
I spent $40 on the fundraiser that's been set up for Leo's family and his gym. It's not much, but it's something. (And between us, I probably should've given more.)
What strikes me about the boxing community is how they always show up in these moments. These are people who literally punch each other for sport, yet when tragedy strikes, they're softer than anyone. Like a grizzly bear that suddenly turns into a teddy.
It's beautiful, really.
The investigation continues
Lancashire Police are asking for witnesses. Sgt Paul McCurrie from the Road Policing Unit said: "This collision has very sadly resulted in the death of a young man and my thoughts are with his family and loved ones. I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened or who has any CCTV or dashcam footage to get in touch."
Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log 0160 of April 20. You can also email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at [email protected]
I've seen how these investigations go. Sometimes they bring closure. Sometimes they just bring more questions. Poor family.
A life barely begun
Listen. I'm not usually this emotional in my articles. But something about this one... maybe it's because I have a nephew the same age. Maybe it's the photos of Leo looking so alive, so proud with that championship belt. Or maybe it's just the sheer waste of it all.
An 18-year-old champion boxer. A kid with talent, heart, and by all accounts, genuine kindness.
Now gone.
And for what? Some random accident at 3am on a Sunday? It makes no sense. It never will.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment is required to begin boxing?
In order to train and be safe, you will need certain essentials. This includes a pair of boxing gloves, hand wraps to protect your wrists and hands, a mouthguard, and headgear if sparring. For better support and movement, it is recommended that you wear boxing shoes as well as comfortable athletic clothing.
Boxing can I begin at any age?
You can start boxing at any time as long as your doctor has cleared you and you are in good physical health. Boxing is adaptable and can be customized to suit individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
How do I wrap hands for boxing?
Hand wrapping is crucial in boxing to protect your hands and wrists from injury. Wraps are unwound and placed around the thumb. Extend the wrap over your hand and then circle your wrist. Wrap the Velcro around your wrist, crisscrossing your fingers and covering your knuckles.
What are the basic boxing punches?
The basic boxing punches are the jab and cross. A quick, straight strike is delivered with the front hand.
How do I protect myself in boxing?
The defense in boxing includes several techniques. They include maintaining a strong guard with your arms up, using the footwork to keep distance, and using head movement, such as slips or rolls, to avoid punches. Learning these defensive skills is just as important as mastering your offense.
Statistics
- Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
- About 25% of people who take up boxing transition to competitive amateur boxing within their first two years of training.
- Boxing has one of the lowest rates of injury compared to other contact sports, with approximately 1.1 injuries per 1,000 minutes of athletics.
- Around 90% of boxers suffer a minor injury over the course of a year, with only 10-15% experiencing a moderate to severe injury.
- Studies show that proper hand wrapping can reduce the chance of hand and wrist injuries by as much as 40%.
- On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
- Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.
- Roughly 75% of beginners do not employ adequate defensive tactics in their first sparring sessions.
- Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
- It is estimated that 60% of beginner boxers do not use the correct size gloves, which can increase the risk of injury.
External Links
How To
How to choose a boxing gym for beginners
The right boxing gym will ensure that you get quality instruction, and a good training environment. Search for a fitness center with coaches who are well-versed in teaching beginners. Consider the variety of classes offered, the condition of equipment, and the overall cleanliness of the gym. Some gyms provide a free class to see if you like the environment.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/benn-shrinks-the-ring-on-eubank-jr-coming-to-steamroll-him
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