Giving everyone a fighting chance

The Boss Boxing
Dedicated. Hardworking. Leader

Former boxing champion Sammy Leone is a proud Aboriginal man who has supported the Zillmere community for more than a decade, using his sport to empower people and transform lives.

Sammy is passionate about using the skills developed in boxing to keep vulnerable people away from substance abuse and crime. A few years ago, he founded The Boss Boxing, where he is head coach. His vision is to empower young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, especially those who have been in foster care or who have had social services interventions.

Sammy faced a challenging start to life, experiencing poverty, racism, poor mental health, crime, foster care and drug and alcohol misuse.

“At a low point in my life, I found myself at a crossroads, and after a cultural and spiritual experience, I made a decision to take the steps to improve my situation,” he says.

Sammy started boxing training, which turned his life around. He won regional, state and national titles.

He says it feels good to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “To be recognised by the local community is quite humbling. We never look for accolades, but it’s great to be acknowledged for the tireless community work that is unseen by many.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. The Boss Boxing will use its funds to provide subsidised sports wear for his community that also promote local Indigenous artists and designs.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here