Explosive start to Docherty’s career in professional ranks

Montrose boxer John Docherty launched his professional career in stunning style – with a knockout in just six seconds.

The 21-year-old was fighting in Newcastle on Saturday night and made short work of his contest against Jordan Latimer, which was scheduled for four rounds.

Docherty turned pro after winning Commonwealth Games bronze for Scotland and was signed by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable.

And he couldn’t have asked for a better start to life in the paid ranks.

Unbeaten Latimer was on the canvas after six seconds, with an uppercut doing the damage, and the towel was subsequently thrown in from his corner.

Promoter Hearn wants to keep the super-middleweight busy and Docherty could be back in the ring in Atlantic City in the middle of next month and then fight again before the end of the year.

Docherty has his sights set high.

“I know everyone says they want to win a world title but I really do think I’m good enough,” he said.

“Everyone gets nerves. I was getting really nervous walking to the ring. I was going in there to take my time but I hit him clean.”

Former world title challenger Matthew Macklin was ringside in Newcastle and liked what he saw of the young Scot.

“That was really impressive from John Docherty,” he said.

“Jordan Latimer was all over the place. It was a really good shot that put him down. He knew he was out of his depth.

“We didn’t get to see enough of him but what we did see was very impressive.

“Six seconds – it’s impossible to pick holes in that performance.”