You could never question the entertainment value of Joe Laws, in or out of the ring.
But the quality level went up a notch or two at the Newcastle Eagles Arena, where Jan Prokes was blown away in a few seconds shy of four minutes.
Laws was exciting against the brave but outclassed Czech in the final bout of the 13-fight MTK event but there was an assurance, a composure in his performance.
“It felt good,” Laws told punch-lines after his ninth straight win, his sixth .
“Granted my opponent was not world-class, but I think the Joe Laws of a year ago would have taken care of business a lot different to the Joe Laws now.
“That’s what it’s about for me now, getting the game plan implemented on the big stage, letting my boxing show through..
“If I can keep doing that as the years go on and take that through my career hopefully it will bear fruit.”
The increase in maturity should help significantly as he looks to move up the ladder.
Gone on Saturday were the outrageous swings and the Nik Gittus-trained light-welterweight looked so much better for that.
Taking to the stage AFTER the main event is no problem to Laws, though the premature end to the Ellis Corrie-Chad Ellis Northern Area title fight meant he was in the arena a little earlier than he’d have anticipated.
But he did not have a ‘rushed’ look, though he was quickly on the front foot and into his stride, hurting his opponent with some wicked left hooks to the body, while blood streamed from a wound to the Prokes head.
This writer’s favourite moment was, despite having his rival clearly on the back foot, was not to rush in but to land three textbook jabs to Jan’s beat-up face.
Round two began just as well but the end came in slightly bizarre circumstances.
Referee Ron Kearney ushered Prokes back to his corner only to have a bootlace tied but the coach instead offered the towel and the referee duly called it off.
Next up for Laws is a date on the Matchroom show at the Utilita Arena on Saturday, April 4.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
