Amir Khan Vs Scott Lawton 6th October

On 6th October Scott Lawton, Stoke’s English lightweight champion, will step out of the shadows and into the national spotlight when he becomes the challenger to media golden boy Amir Khan. The contest will take place over the championship distance of 12 rounds at Nottingham Ice Area on 6th October. The event is to be promoted by Sports Network (Frank Warren) and the bout will be shown live on ITV.

Lawton will now begin his preparations as he aims to become the first boxer to defeat the former Olympic silver medallist in the professional ring. Lawton had originally been scheduled to defend his English belt in Stoke on the preceding Saturday but will now relinquish his title in favour of the opportunity to fight Amir Khan.

Khan is now undefeated in 13 pro bouts and has sent 10 of his opponents back to the changing room before the allotted rounds had been concluded. Khan’s critics maintain that he is yet to be tested and that he has yet to face an opponent that is renowned for his punching power. The same critics will also no doubt contend that Scott Lawton fits a similar mode since he is known for his boxing ability rather than his punching power.

However many of the critic’s fail to acknowledge that Khan is undoubtedly a talented boxer and posses remarkable hand speed. What his punches lack in potency he can more than adequately compensate for with volume; the number of shots landing has simply worn many of his previous opponents down.

Lawton is not readily daunted by reputations however and will not be phased by the “media hype’ surrounding Amir. In March Lawton faced champion Jon Thaxton in a British title clash and, against all the odds, ran Thaxton close until he sustained a cut to his forehead which effectively ended his challenge. Thaxton, a heavy hitter, continues to be avoided by most domestic lightweights including Khan.

Lawton will also gain inspiration from Scotsman Willie Limmond who, although beaten by Khan, did despatch the Bolton fighter to the canvas during their Commonwealth clash last month. Limmond, who had moved up a division from super-featherweight to take the title last November, is another fighter who was renowned for his skill rather than the ferocity of his punches.

Unlike Limmond, Scott is a genuine lightweight and has campaigned in the division throughout his career. Neither will Lawton, at 5’ 10” (the same as Khan), face the same height disadvantage as the Scot. Lawton will also be confident that, should he send Khan to the canvas, he will not let him recover and suffer the same fate as Limmond.

Mick Carney, Scott Lawton’s manager, today said: “It’s a great opportunity for Scott. We thought that the Thaxton fight was a big event but this is even bigger because of the attention that Amir Khan attracts.”

“Khan is a great prospect but we think he is beatable and that Scott has the wherewithal to get the job done. It won’t be easy though and we will need to do our homework; Scott will need to prepare properly too. He’s a consummate professional though and he won’t leave anything to chance. Whatever the result, I am confident that Scott will emerge with an immense amount of credit.”

“I would also like to add that it has been a pleasure negotiating with Sports Network, they have handled everything very professionally.”

Whatever the critics say about Scott Lawton he is a worthy challenger to Khan’s crown as he is skilful opponent and, provided he avoids the temptation to stand and slug it out, it’s certainly a contest that the Potteries man has the potential to win.