Impact Boxing: Scott Lawton Gets British Title Shot

Photos ©Karl Stubbs/Impact Boxing

Impact Boxing today confirmed that they have signed contracts with Hennessy Sports for Scott Lawton to challenge holder, Jon Thaxton in a British lightweight title clash. The bout, which was sanctioned by the British Boxing Board of Control at its monthly meeting on 10 January, will take place in Thaxton’s hometown Norwich, on 16 March at the Norfolk Showground. Thaxton secured the title by way of a points victory over previous holder, Lee Meager in December.

An earlier attempt by Lawton to secure a shot at the British title was thwarted by the BBBofC. It refused to sanction a proposed contest between Lawton and Lee Meager on the grounds that it might delay Thaxton’s mandatory challenge for Meager’s title. At the time however the “Board’ did recognise Lawton, the reigning English champion, as a worthy nominee for a tilt at British honours.

For Stoke-on-Trent’s Scott Lawton the opportunity to contest the British title is the next step in his career: “Obviously, I’m thrilled to be fighting for a British title,” said Lawton, “I just hope that I give a good account of myself on the night.”

“Jon is a formidable opponent and he has fought some of the best fighters out there. I watched him beat Lee Meager from ringside and he was very impressive that night. I believe that I can beat him though; if I didn’t there wouldn’t be any point in me getting into the ring with him. He’s undoubtedly stronger and more powerful than anyone I’ve been matched with before and he will provide me with my sternest challenge to date.”

It was almost inevitable that Scott Lawton would have to face the redoubtable Thaxton when his chance finally arose. In June last year Thaxton and Lawton were both linked with the English belt but it was Lawton who challenged and secured the vacant title.

Renowned for his awesome punching power and phenomenal strength, Thaxton will enter the ring as a clear favourite. A popular champion amongst the boxing fraternity, Thaxton has had to overcome more than his fair share of obstacles during his career to date. In addition to being avoided by many of the ranking lightweights in the country, his career was put on hold for two years as the consequence of a serious car accident and he has also suffered from a shoulder injury which jeopardised his career for a while.

Nevertheless, the Norwich man has vanquished 31 of his 38 opponents to date with 16 of them failing to survive the scheduled rounds. Along the way he has collected a series of titles at light-welterweight including: Southern Area, IBF Intercontinental and WBO Intercontinental. Furthermore, in addition to his British lightweight title he has also successfully secured and defended the WBF World lightweight title.

Lawton’s manager Mick Carney made the announcement and said: “I’m delighted for Scott. He thoroughly deserves this opportunity in my opinion. It represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by Scott Lawton who is a true professional in every sense of the word. Scott is well respected in boxing circles for his principles as well as his talent and will be a popular challenger.”

“Jon Thaxton is probably the toughest prospect in a very hotly contested lightweight division and is definitely the most proficient boxer that Scott has had to face to date but I have no doubt that Scott will acquit himself well.”

Lawton becomes the second of Impact Boxing’s fighters to get a British title shot within the last month, the other being Chris Edwards who will contest in the flyweight division. Ticketing arrangements will be announced for both contests shortly. Meanwhile Impact Boxing are preparing for their next event at Stoke’s Kings Hall which will take place on 24 February.

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