The Phoenix Newspaper - March 2017 - Page 5
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SPOTLIGHT - JONATHAN ‘TYSON’ LEON
l Leon with Pele MP’s, councillors and Big Johns too, I do all of their security for any events they hold.” Throughout his time in the security business, Leon has worked with people that he never event dreamt about meeting in his life. “I’ve worked with Muhammad Ali, Pele, Mike Tyson, Usain Bolt, the ex Pakistani and Bengali presidents, Anthony Joshua, and Rod Stewart, who told us that we were the best security he had ever had, and considering his career, that is a compliment and a half! “Working with Prince William was an honour, although we did have words about his choice of football team! I try to involved my family, and my 4 children involved in as much of what I do as I can, l and seeing some of these massive names playing with my kids it’s crazy!” Above all else though, you get the feeling from him that the thing he is most passionate about is Birmingham, which was evident by the fire behind his eyes as he
l Leon with Floyd Mayweather
Leon with Usain Bolt talked about the second city. “My plan is to put Birmingham back on the map. A lot of people used to avoid Birmingham, back in the day. People didn’t want to come to Birmingham, they’d rather go to London or
Manchester as there wouldn’t be any trouble. “I want to change the way people look at Birmingham and show them it is a great city. To do that though, I need everyone to support our Birmingham businesses, and endeavours. I’m looking to do a massive event at the end of the year here with some of the greatest names in the sports world, and we’re aiming for 10 times the number of people that were at Shardfest last year this time around.” And with the loss of Fusion and Wireless in Birmingham over the last few years, Shardfest is the frontrunner for people to get behind and support. For the upcoming youth in the city and beyond, Leon has a few wise words; “Be proud of who you are, where you come from. Don’t follow ‘Postcode wars’. Set your goals high and chip away at it. Work hard and be the best you can be. People will fall out with you on the way, but when people tell you you can’t, just drop the t. You Can.” “Support the promoters, support the security, support the young people, support Birmingham.”