He’s big, he’s strong, he’s Jamaican, he’s 10-1 with 7 KO’s and he says a former world heavyweight champion declined to spar with him. He was once homeless in America as a teenager but a kind lady gave him a new chance to make something of his life. Then an illness caused him to lose over 50 pounds. Now 23 years of age, this heavyweight boxer is back on his way. Who is this interesting young athlete? Read on…

“I was homeless in a country I barely knew. I moved in with my father in Florida at 13,” says Lenroy Thomas, born in St. Catherine, Jamaica. “We argued constantly until my father kicked me out. For several weeks I lived on the streets, I slept in a dumpster and stole food to feed myself. Until a lady whom I had from time to time mowed her lawn, heard about my situation. She welcomed me into her home. She gave me love and another chance to make something of myself. I continued with my studies, joined the football and wrestling teams and excelled in both.” Lenroy then found the sport he would fall in love with…

Age: 23.
Ht: 6-1.
Wt: 253.
Record: 10-1, 7 KO’s (lost his first pro fight by decision).

Who are your Boxing inspirations?
“I didn’t start till I was 17. Just my mom, seeing her work. Cuz she had six of us, just one bedroom in our house in Jamaica. I came here. I had a full scholarship to Texas A&M. But I walked in this gym (St. Pete Boxing Club operated by Dan Birmingham) and I never turned back. Let’s do this. Then on my 13th birthday I saw Lennox Lewis fight Evander Holyfield. I wanna do that. Came in at 17, went to nationals, ranked #2, won the Golden Gloves, PALs, the state. And I just keep progressing.”

Describe your style to fans who don’t know you.
Lenroy Thomas: “Boxer/puncher. A little bit of Winky Wright – defense, jab. I study Winky, Lewis, Pacquiao, Ali and lookin’ at Mike (Tyson) – slippin’. Those are the ones that inspire me to do this.”

What are you working on to improve, to take it to the next level?
Lenroy Thomas: “More conditioning. Higher work rate which I’m getting at. If I look back to where I was last year and look now, I’m not at where I used to be and I’m not at where I want to be. It’s a progress. I just have to continue training hard and let the Lord lead my path.”

Who are some of the best boxers you have sparred and worked with?
Lenroy Thomas: “Lacy, Winky, Chad Dawson, AK 47 (Cornelius Bundrage), Michael Moorer.”

Any compliments or good advice from any of them?
Lenroy Thomas: “Yes. They told me I got what it takes. Arturo Gatti is a good friend of mine, he told me to continue. Jeff Lacy said he’s seen a lot of growth. Winky said the same thing. I can call him whenever, he’ll come by and make sure I’m doing okay. It’s good. I get a lot of good feedbacks. At the same time I don’t let it get to my head. I stay humble. This is what I said – progress.”