The grandson of Rolling Stones legend Ronnie Wood is fast becoming a star in the boxing world.
Leo Wood, 20, has not only been selected for Team GB Boxing, but is now being courted by some of the world’s biggest boxing promoters, including Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing - the powerhouse behind former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua.
If he accepts, featherweight Leo - who has long had his sights set on the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles - would have to give up his amateur status and walk away from Team GB despite having made the team only recently.
“I’m in the running for the Olympic qualifiers - or I could turn pro before that,” Leo tells The Standard. “I’ve got loads of offers including from Matchroom. I’m just waiting for the right time to decide.”
Leo, whose father is Ronnie’s adopted son Jamie Wood and whose grandmother is Ronnie’s ex-wife, model Jo Wood, says the decision is getting harder by the day as momentum builds around his name.
Recently back from his first international tournament with Team GB in Czech Republic, Leo picked up a bronze medal - narrowly losing to a fighter who competed at Paris 2024.
He trains with GB Boxing in Sheffield and sticks to a punishing routine. “It’s intense,” he says. “We train three times a day - sparring, strength and conditioning. I have to wake up at 6am every day to run track.
“I’ve got a really strict diet too. I have to weigh everything, count calories, and load up on protein. It’s basically chicken and rice every day. No fried food, no chocolate, no alcohol. It’s really hard- but it’s worth it.”
Despite his rock’n’roll roots, Leo admits he never considered following his grandfather into music. “I was never tempted,” he says. “I played drums when I was younger but it wasn’t me. I was good at football, but I didn’t love it. Then I tried boxing and I’ve loved it ever since.”
The Stones guitarist, he adds, is firmly in his corner. “He’s really supportive. He always texts me saying ‘well done’, which means a lot.”
As for what comes next, Leo has his eye on the greats. “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.”
