Johnny Lays down the Law- Lawson registers impressive debut

By Diarmuid Sherry

Local debutant Johnny Lawson began his novice career on the Stevie Quinn Sr. promoted show with a devastating second round stoppage against the Latvian, Juris Ivanovs. Ivanovs crumbled to the canvas four times, before referee, David Walshe waved the fight over. The Latvian had no answer to Lawson’s dedicated body attacks.

Ivanovs began the bout like a 400 metre runner, circling the ring at an extraordinarily quick pace, but Lawson was to catch him eventually. Firstly, Lawson got Ivanovs with an overhand right, when the visitor was trying to suggest his previous punches were not having an effect.

Lawson trapped Ivanovs on the ropes, and gave two absolutely thudding hooks with both the right and left hands, as Ivanovs felt the pain on the canvas. Lawson smelt blood and with another left hook downstairs forced the Eastern European down again. Ivanovs was up at 8, before the bell ended the round.

The Newtownards man knew a stoppage was possible and launched an all-out assault to Ivanovs’ kidney and ribs in the second stanza. Ivanovs tucked up strong, but could not defend his body from the constant attack. Eventually the repeated targeting of the body from Lawson finally achieved a third and fourth knockdown.

The finishing punches being two exquisitely placed right hooks downstairs.

Lawson was hailed as a future World Champion in the introductions. That is a long time coming for now, but for starters, he can enjoy a convincing opening victory in his career in front of his cheering supporters.