20-Year-Old Leonit Kryeziu: Kickboxing World Champion & Veitshöchheim’s Rising Star

VEITSHÖCHHEIM, Germany – Leonit Kryeziu, a 20-year-old kickboxing champion, has been honored with a place in the Golden Book of the municipality of Veitshöchheim, recognizing his achievements in the sport. Kryeziu is a full professional, holding both a world title and two German championships, adding to three national titles earned during his amateur career.

The recognition follows similar honors bestowed upon Franz-Josef and Philipp Ulsamer, also world champions in kickboxing. Kryeziu proudly displayed his championship belts alongside his father, Shukri Kryeziu, at the ceremony. The Kryeziu family has deep roots in Veitshöchheim, with Shukri running a building service in the area.

Shukri Kryeziu himself has a background in martial arts, having been a successful black belt taekwondo fighter. He initially discouraged his son from pursuing combat sports, even going so far as to destroy a pair of boxing gloves. However, Leonit remained resolute, stating, according to his father, “You can chop off both of my hands – I won’t stop.”

Born in Kosovo, Leonit Kryeziu moved to Germany at the age of one and grew up in Veitshöchheim, attending St. Bilhildis kindergarten, Vitus elementary school, and the local middle school. He recently completed his vocational training as a system mechanic for plumbing, heating, and air conditioning technology, prioritizing a stable career path alongside his athletic pursuits. He currently works part-time in his father’s business to allow for focused training.

Kryeziu trains at the “Diamond Gym” in Würzburg under the guidance of Christoph Ritz and Ceyhan Göckel. He currently competes in the up to 66-kilogram weight class, weighing around 65 kilograms, and has maintained an undefeated record since May of the previous year. He transitioned to professional competition at the age of 17, where age restrictions do not apply.

His most significant victory to date came on November 22, 2025, at the SCK-Supercard in Erzhausen near Frankfurt, where he won the world title by defeating the other top four fighters in his weight class.

The sport demands significant physical and mental discipline. Kryeziu’s father candidly acknowledges the inherent risks, stating, “At the end someone is carried out.” Injuries are a common occurrence, with Kryeziu once sustaining a severe leg injury in the first round of a fight, requiring a compression bandage to avoid surgery and leaving him unable to walk comfortably for days. More recently, he suffered a torn capsule and extensor tendon injury in his hand on November 22nd, forcing him to withdraw from a scheduled fight.

Discipline extends to Kryeziu’s daily life, with strict diet and exercise regimens. Training often begins as early as 5 a.m., regardless of weather conditions. His father notes that the family’s meal times are often disrupted by these commitments.

Kryeziu has ambitious goals for his career, with interest already coming from international organizations. He is particularly interested in competing with “Glory,” a global kickboxing organization, and has also attracted attention from the manager of a four-time world champion from the “One Championship” organization. “If I open this door, One will come,” Kryeziu stated confidently, envisioning himself competing on these stages within the next two years.

He is currently in discussions with potential sponsors to secure long-term partnerships that will allow him to fully focus on his training and competition. “I’m now at a point where it’s decided what to do next,” Kryeziu said, expressing his ambition and determination.

Veitshöchheim now boasts another world champion, and Kryeziu appears poised to make a significant impact on the international kickboxing scene.

German master belt

German master belt

Photos Dieter Gürz