Debut Corner with Maidstone middleweight Oliver Lawrence
27-year-old Maidstone middleweight, Oliver Lawrence, is the latest prospect from Kent to turn professional, following in the footsteps of Prizefighter finalist Lenny Fuller and Southern Area middleweight champion Grant Dennis.
The former amateur and Queensbury Boxing League star spoke exclusively to BBN's Tim Rickson during his first ever professional training camp.
Here's what he had to say:
What made you want to start boxing?
"My father was a boxer in the British army, so he was a big influence on me starting boxing at around the age of six, sparring in our front room!"
Who was your boxing hero growing up and why?
"That would have had to have been Amir Khan. When I was young, I remember him coming through as an amateur and watching his career as a pro, he really inspired me at a young age."
How old were you when you had your first fight and how did you do?
"I was 11-years-old boxing first on at Margate Winter Gardens packed-out show, I remember giving my opponent a standing count and winning unanimously."
How well did you do in the amateurs?
"I did ok, winning a lot more than I lost! I also had fights in the Queensbury Boxing League."
What made you decide to turn pro?
"I've always had a burning desire in me to turn over, a lot of people have said I'm past my best so I'm just out here to show them the story is far from over yet."
What team do you have around you?
"I'm working around the clock with a top quality team at Boxing Connected, who are all hungry and have a lot of ambition and talent, guided by a very driven head coach Lee Page. My manager is Charlie Oliver from CEO Boxing."
Are you full-time as a pro?
"Not at the moment."
What sort of fighting style do you have?
"I'm a very elusive, slippery type of fighter with a spiteful power in both hands."
What ambitions do you have for your pro career?
"I'm setting out to win titles, a Southern Area will do to start with."
When is your first fight and who will be there in support?
"My first fight will be on May 30th at Mote Park in Maidstone. All of my friends and family will be there to support."
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