Rising star Nico gets advice from legend Carl Froch
Talented teenage boxer Nico Leivars, of Mansfield, has been rubbing shoulders with world champion Carl Froch after adding another title to his collection.
Nico was in a training session at the gym of Phoenix Amateur Boxing Club in Notitngham when his former coach, Dale McPhilbin, suddenly received a phone call from Froch. When McPhilbin handed him the phone, Nico couldn’t believe it. “Carl was really friendly and down to earth,” said the 16-year-old. “We had a good chat and he gave me some great advice. He is a legend.”
Nico, who is now coached by dad Jules, continued his progress when crowned East Midlands champion for the fourth year running in the National Youth Championships. Tackling the under-56 kilos category, he had to face older fighters but took the title and also went on to reach the national final before losing to Ben Marksby, of Darlington.