Latest news with #Leonard
Irish Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Kelsey Leonard ready to make her mark in professional game
Ireland's newest female professional boxer makes her debut this weekend after a stellar amateur career. Kelsey Leonard has won eight Irish Titles, as well as medalled at both the European and World Championships, and will now aim to follow in her idol Katie Taylor's footsteps in the pro ranks. The Kildare Town native's ultimate goal is to become a world champion - but the featherweight fighter will take it one step at a time. The first of those comes at the Girdwood Community Hub in Belfast on Saturday night when Leonard faces Leeds' Kira Carter (0-19-1) in a bout scheduled for four rounds. "I've obviously been an amateur for so long and I've been thinking about turning pro for a while," Leonard told the Irish Mirror. "And then at the start of this year, I finally was able to get all the applications in and medicals and stuff like that. So it took a little bit of time. So finally, I'm just really excited that it's finally happening now." The 26-year-old watched Taylor dominate her trilogy fight with Amanda Serrano at a sold-out Madison Square Garden earlier this month using the silky skills she perfected as an amateur. And Leonard believes her amateur pedigree, as well as her experience of fighting all over the world in countries such as Taiwan, Canada and Bulgaria, will stand to her as a pro. "I know a lot of people say you need to have a pro style, which is a little bit different to that amateur style. But I think having that amateur experience and the technical ability, it will push you on a lot further being able to do that as well," said Leonard. Kelsey Leonard (Image: Babs Daly) "I've boxed all over the world and I've boxed, I'd say, nearly every style. So it's good to have that experience and to just be aware of what you're getting into." Leonard is coached and managed by Niall Barrett in UNIT 3 Health and Fitness in Naas and is advised by 18-2 pro Gary Cully, who has fought on both of Katie Taylor's 3Arena cards, as well as massive events in the UK and beyond in recent years. Both Cully and Taylor are huge inspirations for Leonard, who has seen up close the work the 6ft2in southpaw, who fights at 135lbs, puts in. "I think Gary, because I see him every day and I see how much work he puts in, he's taught me so much about being professional and then seeing him on the big stage and seeing what he's been able to do is such an inspiration to me," she explained. "But then, ever since I was a kid, I've always looked up to Katie and seeing what she's been able to do just makes, not only for me, but for every female boxer, see what is possible." Barrett is hoping Leonard can fight - and win - four times in the first few months of her career that should get her inside the top 30 fighters in the world rankings. Gary Cully (Image: Dave Thompson/Matchroom) The aim is to then win a European championship in her seventh fight and to challenge for a world title in her tenth. Barrett has seen the commitment Leonard has put into her boxing over the past three and a half years of them working together. "After about six months I saw a lot in her so I sat her down and I said 'look I don't know if you know this but you could be really, really good, you could be special', but not on two days a week. "So I said 'go home, have a think about it, talk it over with your family and if so I think it might be worth reducing your work hours so that you can train a bit more'. "The very next day she came in, saying 'I handed in my notice at work, I'm going full-time boxing' and I was like 'I didn't mean that'. "But it just shows her commitment that she'll sacrifice and for the last three years she's been living on absolutely nothing, all with this single-minded focus of this big dream." Leonard turns pro at an exciting time for both women's boxing and Irish boxing as a whole. Taylor and Serrano headlined a historic all-female card in New York earlier this month, with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions investing heavily in women's boxing. Meanwhile, big shows continue to take place in Ireland, with Michael Conlan headlining an event at the 3Arena in early September before Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan fight for the IBF world welterweight title at Windsor Park a week later. "There's so many shows now in Ireland and it's just like big time boxing's really coming back to Ireland now and there's so many big shows that will just help so much and just really help with that activity as well, which is great," added Leonard. "You had the full female card with MVP Promotions, that was huge for women's boxing. "That's only happened a couple of times before and for the amount of eyes that were on it, and it was on Netflix, it's huge. I think amateur boxing for females was always at a high level, especially in Ireland. But I think the pro is getting a lot more attention now. "Even in Ireland there's a couple more female pros turning over and a lot more big fights and title fights for women. So it's really, I think it's the perfect time for it." So what can people expect to see in the months and years ahead? "I don't want to put too much pressure on myself. I want to feel it out, but I'm a strong technical boxer, so I won't be losing that. But I am an entertaining boxer and I want to be an entertaining boxer. So just that when you're watching me fight, you will be entertained," said Leonard. "I'm not saying I'm not looking for knockouts or anything like that. If that type of stuff comes, it comes. But just entertainment." Leonard is very grateful to the continued support of her sponsors: UNIT 3: Health and Fitness Naas, Diva Coffee Co., Sli Beatha Floathouse Naas, The Unit Recovery Naas, Brendan Conlan Automobiles, The Curragh Racecourse, Fightstore Ireland, SDK Detailing. If any companies would like to help out with sponsorship, they can contact her manager and coach Niall Barrett at or on 087-2852774.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Padraig Harrington claims Senior Open for third major title
Ireland's Padraig Harrington carded a 3-under 67 to finish at 16-under 264 and claim the ISPS Handa Senior Open at Berkshire, England on Sunday. HT Image The victory marks Harrington's second major win in four weeks and makes him only the fifth player to win The Open and the Senior Open. "You want to do things that stand out, and having won a real Open, coming out, winning the Senior Open ... it adds a validation," Harrington said. "... I'm kind of on a high of winning, but then there will be that deep sense of satisfaction knowing that you've done both." Harrington won The Open in 2007 and 2008, and was on the cusp of winning the Senior Open in consecutive years. He finished second in 2022 and 2023, losing the latter in a playoff, before breaking through this year. The Dublin native entered the day with a two-shot lead, but never got complacent. "I don't want to relax, that has cost me in the past," Harrington said. "... I get ahead of myself, and you know, sometimes when it's an easy shot, easy tee shot, I can lose focus. "So I want to stay hyped up. And to be honest, I think today, because I wasn't comfortable with my swing, I never let my guard down. I was always into it and focused all day." Harrington, 53, started Sunday with an eagle on No. 1. He also tallied three birdies and two bogeys on the day, beating out Denmark's Thomas Bjorn and Justin Leonard, who finished at 13 under. Bjorn rolled in four birdies from No. 9 to No. 14, threatening Harrington's lead. He then bogeyed on 16, putting Harrington out of reach and finishing at 3-under 67. Leonard notched four birdies and two bogeys on the day for a 2-under 68. He carded 5-under 65 on Friday and Saturday. "It wasn't quite as sharp as I was the last couple days. You know, just not able to really hit it close enough to putt pressure," Leonard said. "I felt like if I could have been 3- or 4-under on the front nine, then, you know, we're kind of neck and neck." Scott Hend (65) finished fourth at 12 under, while fellow Australian Cameron Percy (65) and South Africa's Ernie Els (66) tied for fifth at 11 under. --Field Level Media
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Padraig Harrington prize money after winning second Major in a month
Padraig Harrington was cool as ice, holding his rivals at bay to win the Senior Open at Sunningdale today. It was the Dubliner's second major success on the senior's tour this year, following his victory in the US Senior Open last month. Harrington took a two-stroke lead into the final round and kept Thomas Bjorn and Justin Leanard at arm's length, winning by three shots from the pair. Victory was worth €381,200 to the 53-year-old who shot a final round 67 to finish on 16 under par, three shots clear of great Dane Bjorn and American rival Leonard. Harrington's solid round included a superb eagle three at the first hole and three more birdies - the last of which left him three shots ahead with four to play. Harrington bogeyed the 17th, but so too did Leonard while Bjorn couldn't make inroads either having dropped a shot at the 16th. More to follow ….. Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Padraig Harrington makes history with Senior Open win at Sunningdale
Just a month after capturing his second US Senior Open in four years in Colorado Springs and a cheque for $800,000, the Dubliner (53) claimed the winner's cheque for $447,800 by capturing the Senior Open by three strokes at Sunningdale's Old Course to join Gary Player, Bob Charles, Tom Watson and Darren Clarke in an exclusive club. Winner of The Open in 2007 and 2008, when he also captured the US PGA Championship, Harrington started the final day with a two-stroke lead over Justin Leonard on 13-under-par. He got off to the perfect start with an eagle at the first and made a birdie at the sixth before following a bogey at the seventh with another birdie at the ninth to turn for home four shots clear of the field. He went on to birdie the 14th to get to 17-under and while he bogeyed the 17th, he took a three shot lead over Leonard and clubhouse leader Thomas Bjorn to the 72nd hole. He went on to two putt from long range for a par four to win by three strokes and capture his third senior major from Leonard and Bjorn on 16-under par. Clarke finished tied for 51st on two-over after a closing 72.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Harrington leads Senior British Open as Aussies hover
Padraig Harrington, aiming for his second senior major of the year, birdied the final hole for another five-under 65 and a two-shot lead over Justin Leonard going into the final round of the Senior British Open. The Australian challenge, which shaped up promisingly on Friday, remains strong with six representatives in the leading 13, fronted by Greg Chalmers, who shot a 66 to be five shots off the lead. But the most eye-catching Aussie on Saturday was Scott Hend, who went round in 64 to move to within six shots of the pacesetter. Harrington was among four players who had at least a share of the lead at some point during the round on the Old Course at Sunningdale. He seized the lead with birdies on the 13th and 14th holes, and a closing birdie added to his slight lead. Harrington, who was at 13-under 197, has been in the United Kingdom the last three weeks for links golf, starting with the Scottish Open. He won the US Senior Open in Colorado a month ago. Leonard, the only PGA Tour Champions player to make the cut last week in the British Open at Royal Portrush, also had a second straight 65. Thomas Bjorn had a 67 and was three shots behind. Harrington and Leonard are past British Open champions - Leonard at Royal Troon in 1997, Harrington winning the first of two claret jugs a decade later at Carnoustie (2007) and Royal Birkdale (2008). Either one can become the fifth player to win the British Open and Senior British Open, a feat last accomplished by Darren Clarke in 2022. Steven Alker, New Zealand's two-time Charles Schwab Cup winner who opened with a 73, tried to get back in the game. He shot 66 and was among four players at eight-under 202, five shots behind. Australia's Cameron Percy shares 10th place, seven shots behind, with compatriots Mark Hensby, Steve Allan and Michael Wright a further shot back. Richard Green is 10 shots adrift. Padraig Harrington, aiming for his second senior major of the year, birdied the final hole for another five-under 65 and a two-shot lead over Justin Leonard going into the final round of the Senior British Open. The Australian challenge, which shaped up promisingly on Friday, remains strong with six representatives in the leading 13, fronted by Greg Chalmers, who shot a 66 to be five shots off the lead. But the most eye-catching Aussie on Saturday was Scott Hend, who went round in 64 to move to within six shots of the pacesetter. Harrington was among four players who had at least a share of the lead at some point during the round on the Old Course at Sunningdale. He seized the lead with birdies on the 13th and 14th holes, and a closing birdie added to his slight lead. Harrington, who was at 13-under 197, has been in the United Kingdom the last three weeks for links golf, starting with the Scottish Open. He won the US Senior Open in Colorado a month ago. Leonard, the only PGA Tour Champions player to make the cut last week in the British Open at Royal Portrush, also had a second straight 65. Thomas Bjorn had a 67 and was three shots behind. Harrington and Leonard are past British Open champions - Leonard at Royal Troon in 1997, Harrington winning the first of two claret jugs a decade later at Carnoustie (2007) and Royal Birkdale (2008). Either one can become the fifth player to win the British Open and Senior British Open, a feat last accomplished by Darren Clarke in 2022. Steven Alker, New Zealand's two-time Charles Schwab Cup winner who opened with a 73, tried to get back in the game. He shot 66 and was among four players at eight-under 202, five shots behind. Australia's Cameron Percy shares 10th place, seven shots behind, with compatriots Mark Hensby, Steve Allan and Michael Wright a further shot back. Richard Green is 10 shots adrift. Padraig Harrington, aiming for his second senior major of the year, birdied the final hole for another five-under 65 and a two-shot lead over Justin Leonard going into the final round of the Senior British Open. The Australian challenge, which shaped up promisingly on Friday, remains strong with six representatives in the leading 13, fronted by Greg Chalmers, who shot a 66 to be five shots off the lead. But the most eye-catching Aussie on Saturday was Scott Hend, who went round in 64 to move to within six shots of the pacesetter. Harrington was among four players who had at least a share of the lead at some point during the round on the Old Course at Sunningdale. He seized the lead with birdies on the 13th and 14th holes, and a closing birdie added to his slight lead. Harrington, who was at 13-under 197, has been in the United Kingdom the last three weeks for links golf, starting with the Scottish Open. He won the US Senior Open in Colorado a month ago. Leonard, the only PGA Tour Champions player to make the cut last week in the British Open at Royal Portrush, also had a second straight 65. Thomas Bjorn had a 67 and was three shots behind. Harrington and Leonard are past British Open champions - Leonard at Royal Troon in 1997, Harrington winning the first of two claret jugs a decade later at Carnoustie (2007) and Royal Birkdale (2008). Either one can become the fifth player to win the British Open and Senior British Open, a feat last accomplished by Darren Clarke in 2022. Steven Alker, New Zealand's two-time Charles Schwab Cup winner who opened with a 73, tried to get back in the game. He shot 66 and was among four players at eight-under 202, five shots behind. Australia's Cameron Percy shares 10th place, seven shots behind, with compatriots Mark Hensby, Steve Allan and Michael Wright a further shot back. Richard Green is 10 shots adrift. Padraig Harrington, aiming for his second senior major of the year, birdied the final hole for another five-under 65 and a two-shot lead over Justin Leonard going into the final round of the Senior British Open. The Australian challenge, which shaped up promisingly on Friday, remains strong with six representatives in the leading 13, fronted by Greg Chalmers, who shot a 66 to be five shots off the lead. But the most eye-catching Aussie on Saturday was Scott Hend, who went round in 64 to move to within six shots of the pacesetter. Harrington was among four players who had at least a share of the lead at some point during the round on the Old Course at Sunningdale. He seized the lead with birdies on the 13th and 14th holes, and a closing birdie added to his slight lead. Harrington, who was at 13-under 197, has been in the United Kingdom the last three weeks for links golf, starting with the Scottish Open. He won the US Senior Open in Colorado a month ago. Leonard, the only PGA Tour Champions player to make the cut last week in the British Open at Royal Portrush, also had a second straight 65. Thomas Bjorn had a 67 and was three shots behind. Harrington and Leonard are past British Open champions - Leonard at Royal Troon in 1997, Harrington winning the first of two claret jugs a decade later at Carnoustie (2007) and Royal Birkdale (2008). Either one can become the fifth player to win the British Open and Senior British Open, a feat last accomplished by Darren Clarke in 2022. Steven Alker, New Zealand's two-time Charles Schwab Cup winner who opened with a 73, tried to get back in the game. He shot 66 and was among four players at eight-under 202, five shots behind. Australia's Cameron Percy shares 10th place, seven shots behind, with compatriots Mark Hensby, Steve Allan and Michael Wright a further shot back. Richard Green is 10 shots adrift.
