Trainer faces long prison sentence after coward punch

LONDON: Leon Lawson, the uncle and trainer of super-middleweight boxer Andre Dirrell, faces up to 25 years in prison after being charged with assault for punching his nephew’s opponent Jose Uzcategui on Saturday.

Lawson launched a flurry of punches at the unsuspecting Uzcategui in the aftermath of his nephew’s win in Maryland and could now end up in prison for the vicious attack.

The trainer climbed into the ring after the fight had been halted and approached Uzcategui, who was stood in his corner with his hands on the ropes.

Lawson then threw three punches at the Venezuelan fighter, who made no attempt to block the shots or fight back.

The attack took place after Dirrell was controversially awarded a victory by disqualification in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Uzcategui was adjudged to have punched his opponent after the bell of the eighth round of their IBF interim world title fight, prompting referee Bill Clancy to declare Dirrell the winner.

The Flint fighter later apologised for his uncle’s behaviour, saying: “I’m sorry for what my coach has done... he cares for me. He loves me. Please forgive him.”

Saturday’s controversial finish was not the first time Dirrell has been hit after the bell in his 28 fight career.

The Flint fighter, who two career defeats came against Britain’s Carl Froch and James Degale, was knocked out at the end of a round by Arthur Abraham in 2010.

Dirrell suffered concussion and did not fight again for 21 months. Daily Mail