Coach Kevin Leonard – Private Boxing Coach in Nashville
The Early Days
Kevin Leonard began boxing at 17 under the guidance of Olympic bronze medalist Jesus “Jesse” Valdez, one of the most decorated amateur boxers in U.S. history. Valdez wasn’t just a coach—he was a technician, known for his precision, timing, and discipline. Kevin trained under him daily, learning how to move, defend, and think like a fighter. It wasn’t about throwing punches—it was about understanding how to control a ring.
That training paid off. Kevin went on to have an undefeated amateur career, winning the Golden Gloves and building a foundation built on fundamentals: footwork, balance, defense, and mental sharpness.
As his time competing wrapped up, Kevin moved naturally into coaching. During the early years of the UFC, he worked with fighters looking to improve their boxing for MMA. His focus was on striking efficiency—timing, accuracy, defense, and footwork—and how to adapt pure boxing skills to real-world situations.
Today
Kevin is now a certified USA Boxing coach with over 25 years of experience in the sport. He’s trained amateurs, led group sessions, and co-managed a fighter who earned a shot at the IBF Light Heavyweight Championship of the World. His experience spans both the amateur and professional levels.
Now based in Nashville, Kevin runs Gloves Up Nashville, where he offers private boxing sessions for all levels—from first-timers to competitive fighters. His training is direct, disciplined, and built around each individual. He doesn’t sell trends or gimmicks—he coaches real boxing.
Sessions focus on technique, conditioning, timing, and overall fight IQ. Whether the goal is fitness, skill development, or stepping into the ring, Kevin brings the same energy and expectations to every round.
His coaching style blends the old-school approach he was raised on with modern, functional training that keeps clients progressing. If you’re looking for serious boxing coaching—real technique, real conditioning, real results—this is where you start.
