Impact Boxing: Date Set For Lawton’s English Title Defense

Stoke’s Scott Lawton (20-3-1) will defend his English Lightweight title against Dean Hickman (15-3-1) on 29 September at Stoke’s Fenton Manor Sports Complex.

The British Boxing Board of Control made Hickman the mandatory challenger to Lawton’s title late last year and the fight was originally scheduled to take place in February this year. Lawton was given the opportunity to challenge for the British title in March however and the Hickman camp agreed to the postponement of the contest.

Both Lawton and Hickman will be looking to return to winning ways after each suffering defeats in their previous campaigns.

In March this year Lawton sustained a serious cut above his eye that impeded his vision and effectively ended his chances of wresting the British title away from holder Jon Thaxton, the referee calling a halt to hostilities in the seventh round. Up until that point Lawton was in the contest and emerged with considerable credit, earning the respect of Thaxton who declined to offer a rematch.

In May Dean Hickman suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Lawton’s sparring partner Gary Reid. In a Midlands Area light-welterweight tussle, Reid sent Hickman to the canvas seven times before the referee stepped in to relieve Hickman of any further punishment at the beginning of round 5. Scott got a good look at his opponent that evening, he was in Gary Reid’s corner.

“Dean Hickman has been very patient and I appreciate him stepping aside to enable me to fight for the British title.” Said Lawton at Impact Boxing’s Burslem gym today. “I donʼt owe him any favours though and I will be looking to beat him here in September.”

“I have a lot of respect for Dean as a boxer and I wonʼt be taking anything for granted. True, Gary Reid annihilated him in May but Gary has the potential to do that to anyone; if he connects properly you are going to hit the canvas.”

“We are both coming of the back of losses and so both Dean and I will be trying our best to win, we should put on a good show for the fans therefore. Personally, my aim is to get back to winning ways and get myself back in the mix for the British title. After fighting Jon Thaxton am more determined than ever to get my hands on a Lonsdale belt.”

The remainder of the line-up for the Impact Boxing promoted show has yet to be confirmed but will include a number of other local favourites.

For ticket information contact Impact Boxing on 0845 156 7168 or visit www.impactboxing.com

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