For a man who specialises in early finishes, Joe Laws has one eye on later nights.
The ‘Benwell Bomber’ made an explosive entrance into the professional ranks in 2018, with three victories inside four exciting months, all without the need for the referees scorecard.
And the effervescent Geordie is back after a five-month lay-off, with an appearance at Houghton-le-Spring on Saturday, March 16.
Could his first year without a vest have gone any better?
“Not really,” smiled the 23-year-old Phil Jeffries-managed welterweight talent. “It was a perfect year.
“I made my debut at the Stadium of Light, my second fight was on telly and my third was a big arena show, three wins and three knockouts.
“I am looking to make more progress starting with March 16.”
Laws joined the pro ranks after an excellent amateur career with the famed BIrtley club, reaching the 2017 England Elite Championship final, or the ABAs in old money.
Given his background, the Graeme Rutherford-trained fighter hardly needs millions of contests before reaching the contender stage.
But for all he possesses a happy-go-lucky outlook on life (just have a look at his Facebook postings if you don’t believe me) he is not daft, telling punch-lines that he needs to build his ring-time.
“I am not a novice but this is a different game,” he said.
“I’ve only done eight rounds as a pro, so I would like some six and eight-rounders against tough men to build up the rounds.”
Having raced through three opponents inside four months, it feels like an eternity since he was last letting his fists go.
And his date at the Phil Jeffries/ Steve Wraith Rainton Meadows Arena is eagerly anticipated by not just him and his huge army of fans, but for boxing fans everywhere blown away by his exciting approach.
“I can’t wait,” he said. “I’ve had a bit time off to sort out some injury niggles and let my hair down a little.
“But for all the excitement of going out with my pals and having a few takeaways it’s nothing compared to the buzz I get when I am having a fight.
“I can’t wait to get back to the ring and do what I do best.”
Tickets are on sale for the bumper show with Luke Cope, Joe and Tom Hill, Joe Laws, Reece McAllister, Joe Maphosa, Anth Ornsby, Mark Taylor, Terry Tyers , Jone Valou and Terence Wilkinson all in action.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
