Exclusive Boxing Interview: Scott Lawton

SaddoBoxing traveled to Impact Boxing headquarters yesterday to speak with lightweight Scott Lawton, who is in training to defend his Midlands Area title against Coventry’s Baz Carey on Saturday, May 6. On a bill the burgeoning promotional outfit is calling Mayhem, the contest takes place at Kings Hall in Stoke-On-Trent, England and will headline a full undercard of popular local boxers. Don’t miss what Scott

Click for larger image © Karl Stubbs

had to say in this exclusive interview as we explore his thoughts on the upcoming clash with Carey as well as the lanky lightweight’s future prospects and much, much more, only on SaddoBoxing.com!

SaddoBoxing: It’s four weeks until the fight with Baz Carey; how is your training going?

Scott Lawton: “The training is going better than ever to tell you the truth, I don’t like saying that in case it puts a ‘jinx’ on it. At the minute it’s going well and I’m punching hard, punching hard for a long time as well now. Everything seems to be coming together well. Great sparring here with Jimmy Doherty and Gary Reid and all different fight-styles here in the gym, so I’m getting plenty of variety, so I’m thinking I’m going to do a good job on Baz Carey.”

SB: Are you doing anything particularly different with this training in order to tailor it to the opponent, Baz Carey?

SL: “He’s a fighter not a boxer, so I’m thinking I’ll outbox him and probably wear him down towards the end of the rounds.”

SB: Yes, obviously you always go the distance – so you’re used to that anyway…

SL: “Yeah, I’ve never had any problems with my fitness levels; I train hard all the time, I’m always running and always in the gym. I never really miss gym sessions, even after I’ve fought. I have a week off then get straight back in the gym again so I never really lose my fitness. And if he (Carey) hasn’t put the training in, I think he’ll be in for some trouble.”

SB: What’s your target for 2006?

SL: “I want to fight for an English title, possibly a British title. I want to box someone who’s in the Top Ten in this country and I’m pretty sure I will do that this season whether it’s away from home or not. I need to take that step and box someone in the Top Ten and that’s my aim really, if I can get some sort of title out of it – that’s a bonus.”

SB: It probably makes a difference to you fighting at home in Stoke and having all your Stoke fans there to support you?

SL: “Yeah, I’ve always had a good following, but most of my contests have been either in London or Sheffield, its only been the last two that I’ve had in Stoke but I’ve really enjoyed it – getting great support from Stoke. When they cheer you on it gives you that little extra ‘bit’ that sometimes you might need during the bout.”

SB: Have you got a favourite boxer at the moment? Who you like to watch?

SL: “I’ve got loads of favourites! (laughs) I think the best boxer in the world today is Floyd Mayweather and I think the most entertaining boxer today is Ricky Hatton – so if those two box each other it’ll be a crackin’ fight! But I’ll be routing for Ricky Hatton because I’ve sparred with him before. He’s proper nice – a nice guy. I think Floyd’s a brilliant boxer but I think Ricky would unhinge him a bit. Also, one of the best boxers in the country is Clinton Woods and I think people tend to forget about him a bit but he’s come up the hard way and he’s been an inspiration for me to do well.”

SB: Who’s your favourite boxer of all time?

SL: “That’s another tough one! I think Oscar de la Hoya would be my favourite of all time. I guess a lot of people would say Ali, but I see Oscar de la Hoya as a good role model.”

SB: Have you got a nickname?

SL: “Not really a nickname as such, but on my shorts I’ve got a little symbol of ‘The Saint’ because someone once said I was a ‘good guy’ and he called me ‘The Saint’ but I don’t like to use it.”

SB: (Laughing) Would your mum agree that you are a Saint? (She’d just rung on his mobile phone but he was keeping her waiting!)

SL: (Laughing) “No, don’t think my mum or my wife would agree with that one!”

SB: Do you have a message for your fans?

SL: “Please turn out for me! And I’m very grateful for their support.”

SB: Thanks for your time, Scott. Have a good training session and I’ll speak to you again a few days before your fight.

Tickets for Scott Lawton’s 6th May bout are available by contacting: 0797 182 4337