In this candid episode of The Criminal Connection Podcast, James O’Keefe hosts two legendary figures of British boxing: Norman "Stormin' Norman" Buckland and Matt "Lucky" Leg. The duo shares their harrowing experiences from the streets to the boxing ring, providing insights into a life of violence, discipline, and eventual transformation.
With brutal honesty, they open up about the trials of their lives—from Norman’s fight with an Olympic champion to Matt’s journey from gangster to professional boxer, both finding solace and meaning through their experiences in and out of the ring.
The Final Fight: Norman Buckland’s Last Battle
Norman Buckland, despite being past his prime, stepped into the ring against an Olympic champion. With an aggressive strategy, he trained relentlessly, ready for the hardest fight of his life. But even with his fierce preparation, Norman faced a formidable opponent.
"I came out attacking, rolling under his jabs and trying to counter with a big right, but he was just too good,” Norman recalls. "He caught me with an uppercut at the end, broke my eye socket, and I was down."
The damage to his eye forced Norman into retirement, but the lessons learned in the ring carried forward into his next chapter.
Life After the Ring: The Broken Eye Socket that Led to Retirement
Norman had planned to continue fighting but fate had other plans. His injury took three months to heal, leaving him with no feeling in the right side of his face. Eventually, he stepped away from boxing and found work as a site manager. Though his professional boxing career ended, his influence remained, particularly through his mentorship of Matt Leg.
“I had a job as a site manager in Liverpool after the injury... that was it, I didn’t go back to boxing,” Norman says. His time in the ring may have been over, but his legacy was just beginning.
The Mentor: How Stormin' Norman Changed Matt Leg’s Life
Matt Leg, who was once on the path toward a life of crime, found a mentor in Norman Buckland. Surrounded by gangsters and violence, Matt was headed down a dangerous road. Norman saw the potential for something different.
“I saw that gangster vibe in him, but I told him, 'Gangsters love a good boxer,'” Norman explains. "He had the ability to be a great fighter, and boxing changed him."
Their bond grew stronger as Matt pursued a career in boxing, eventually becoming a professional fighter. Norman’s guidance not only kept Matt out of trouble but also helped him find a purpose that would change his life.
Boxing in Prison: Sparring Behind Bars
Prison life introduced another form of battle for both Norman and Matt. The two often trained in the unlikeliest of places—the shower area. Sparring with each other in secret, they attracted the attention of young offenders, watching from the windows as the two boxers put on a show.
“We weren’t supposed to spar in prison, but we did it anyway," Norman reveals, describing how they’d fight in the shower area while others crowded around to watch. "The screws eventually told us off, but we carried on."
This unorthodox training forged a deeper connection between them, with Norman passing on his boxing knowledge and instilling discipline in Matt, helping him navigate the chaos of prison life.
Facing Violence: Life Inside and Outside the Prison Walls
Norman Buckland’s life inside prison wasn’t without violence. From breaking up fights among rival gangs to diffusing tense situations, Norman found himself stepping into the role of peacekeeper.
“I wasn’t a bully, but I’d step in when things were getting out of hand,” he recalls. "I stopped the violence as much as I could, especially between the young offenders."
Matt also faced his share of battles, both in prison and on the streets. He shares stories of road rage incidents that escalated into violent confrontations, including one where he single-handedly disarmed four men.
“They came at me with knives and bars, but I took them down," Matt recalls of the incident. "I was chasing them around their own car after I’d disarmed them.”
These stories reflect the raw reality of life for both men, where violence was always near, but discipline and strategy won the day.
The Dangers of Steroids: Norman’s Battle with Addiction
Steroids played a major role in Norman’s life, pushing him to extremes that he later regretted. He opens up about the psychological toll they took on him, turning him into someone he barely recognized.
“I started on steroids thinking they’d help, but they turned me into an animal," Norman admits. "They made me violent, irrational, and I lost who I was."
Norman's candid admission serves as a powerful warning about the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs and the impact they can have on both mind and body.
The Legacy of Stormin' Norman and Matt "Lucky" Leg
Despite their violent pasts, both men have found redemption in their later years. Norman, now in his 60s, continues to reflect on the life lessons he’s learned, and Matt focuses on raising his family, passing down the discipline and structure he learned through boxing.
"Make the most of your time, because it goes by fast," Matt advises. "If you have a dream, follow it—don't waste time."
Norman echoes the sentiment, saying that kindness is key:
"Be nice to people, no matter their race, religion, or background. Treat people how you want to be treated."
Both men’s stories serve as a testament to the power of transformation, showing that no matter how far down a dark path you go, there's always a way back through discipline, respect, and perseverance.
Conclusion: Redemption Through Boxing
The lives of Norman Buckland and Matt Leg are intertwined with tales of violence, survival, and ultimately, redemption. Their stories inspire others to rise above their circumstances, using boxing not just as a sport, but as a tool for personal transformation.
Norman and Matt’s journeys, from the prison yards to the boxing ring, reveal the undeniable impact that mentorship, discipline, and self-reflection can have on shaping a life. Through it all, they remain fighters—both in and out of the ring.