Leo Wood, grandson of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, is quickly making a name for himself in the boxing world. At just 20 years old, Leo has already been selected to represent Team GB Boxing and is attracting interest from leading professional promoters, including Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing — the team behind former world champion Anthony Joshua.
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Although he has only recently joined the national squad, Leo now faces a difficult decision: pursue his Olympic dream at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles or turn professional. Speaking to The Standard, Leo said, “I’m in the running for the Olympic qualifiers – or I could turn pro before that. I’ve got loads of offers including from Matchroom. I’m just waiting for the right time to decide.” He recently brought home a bronze medal from his first international tournament in the Czech Republic, losing only to a boxer who is heading to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Training with GB Boxing in Sheffield, Leo follows a demanding daily routine that includes sparring, strength and conditioning, and 6am track runs. “It’s intense,” he explained. “I’ve got a really strict diet too — everything’s weighed, calories counted, loads of protein. It’s chicken and rice nearly every day. No fried food, no chocolate, no alcohol. It’s really hard – but it’s worth it.” Despite his family’s rock’n’roll legacy, Leo never seriously considered music as a career. “I played drums when I was younger, but it wasn’t me,” he said. “I tried football, but I didn’t love it. Then I found boxing and I’ve loved it ever since.”
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Leo’s famous grandfather is fully behind his ambitions. “He’s really supportive. He always texts me saying ‘well done’, which means a lot,” Leo shared. Looking ahead, he hopes to follow in the footsteps of Olympic medallists-turned-world champions. “I see people like Tank Davis and Shakur Stevenson — they went to the Olympics, won medals, and then became world champions. That’s what I want to do too.”
