13.09.06 – On 9th June this year Scott Lawton reached the pinnacle of his career to date when he secured the English lightweight title with an eighth round stoppage of southpaw Stefy Bull in Doncaster. Up to that point Lawton openly admits that the English title was the limit of his ambition, he his quick to add however that within minutes of capturing the title he reset his target and began to focus on a British Title challenge..
Today Lawton’s dream moved a step closer when Impact Boxing signed contracts with Hennessy Sports for, current titleholder, Lee Meager to make a voluntary defence of his title against the Potteries fighter.
A date and venue for the contest has yet to be confirmed but it is likely to take place before the end of the year.
“2006 has been a fantastic year for me so far and things are just getting better.” Said Lawton, “I’ve wanted to win the British title ever since I started boxing in the amateurs as a kid and although I haven’t won it yet I’ve got the opportunity now and I know that I can win. Its like getting to the FA Cup final, I’m almost there and its now up to me to perform on the day.”
Lawton was ringside to witness Meager win the title in May this year with a sixth round stoppage victory over Dave Stewart; Stewart being one of only two men to have beaten Lawton in the professional ranks. Stoke’s likeable lightweight is therefore likely to enter the arena as the underdog. Unperturbed however, Lawton, as always, offers a considered response:
“It won’t be the first time that I’ve been the underdog and I’ve caused upsets before; many commentators tipped Stefy to beat me and look what happened there. It doesn’t concern me either where the fight will take place, I am used to fighting on away shows. Neither will the crowd be a factor no matter how hostile they may be, again I’ve experienced it before and besides, I am confident that I will take a huge support with me from the Potteries.”
“Yes, I lost to Dave Stewart but it was only by a single point and the circumstances were a little odd, it was a close run thing and the decision could have gone either way. Furthermore, it was over three years ago and I am a much tougher prospect now so I don’t really think that defeat has any relevance to my match with Lee Meager.”
“I watched Meager and Stewart from ringside and although I was impressed with Meager I thought that Dave Stewart looked a little weight drained, I won’t have the same problem, I never have a problem making the weight. In fact, I came in 2 lbs under when I fought Bull. I also think that because I haven’t had the same level of TV exposure as most of the other highly ranked lightweights I am underestimated but this is only because most people haven’t had the chance to see me box.”
With 20 wins 1 loss and 1 draw Meager’s record is similar to Lawton’s (W 18 L 2 D 1) but with 7 KO’s to Lawton’s 4 Meager does have the edge when it comes to getting the job done quickly. Again Lawton is measured in his comments:
“On the night records won’t count for anything, they never really do. It will come down to which of us is the better fighter on the night. I don’t really want to talk too much about Lee at this stage, all I will say is that I expect it to be a close fight but that I know that I am capable of beating him. If I were him I know that I wouldn’t give up a Lonsdale belt easily but equally, I will be very determined to bring the belt home with me.”
Impact Boxing’s Mick Carney who was responsible for negotiating the deal with Hennessy Sports said:
“We have been talking to Hennesy for about two months and it has been difficult to contain our excitement until the deal was sealed. Although the process has been protracted Hennessy have conducted themselves impeccably and I can’t praise them highly enough. I don’t know who else had thrown their hat into the ring but I am just thoroughly delighted that Scott has now got the opportunity that he fully deserves.”
“Scott is fully capable of winning this title and you can be certain that he will prepare properly for the fight. Meager too will be ready for it and you can be certain that the crowd and the TV audience will be served up with a classic. I have no doubt that both boxers will be up for it.”
Currently ranked at 8 in the lightweight division Lawton’s next bout against Judex Meemea at Stoke’s Kings Hall on 30th September now takes on a greater significance since Lawton will be looking for an emphatic victory over the tough Mauritius boxer.
Tickets for Lawton’s next fight are still available and can be obtained by contacting the ticket-line on: 0845 156 7168