Fear no more for a rising pugilist
ANTHONY Lawrence is determined to ensure boxing paves the way for his and his family’s future, having already transformed himself from the bullied teenager to lightning quick pugilist.
Originally from Papua New Guinea, the rising boxer’s family moved to Townsville in search of a lifestyle change, and what he found at Knuckles Gym has him on course for greatness in the ring.
At times shortly after he moved to North Queensland, Lawrence says he and his loved ones felt unsafe simply walking around the streets.
People would yell insults his way, rough him up and try to tear him down. Never again.
Now, ahead of the final Knuckleman competition of the year, Lawrence has a ferocity with the gloves on which has him braced for a professional debut next year.
“It (boxing) has helped me a lot, when I walk with my girlfriend she knows she’s safe walking around in town or wherever we go,” Lawrence said.
“That’s what I love about this sport. When I used to walk around people would yell at me, I got bullied in school, but that did not stop me.
“I want this to be my future and my lifestyle. I don’t like doing stuff that I don’t feel comfort in, but boxing felt like I was in place. That was my sport to do and to prepare for the future.”
Lawrence will go head=tohead with Hayden Ede for the Knuckleman’s lightweight championship, with $1500 up for grabs at the Ross Island Hotel on Saturday night. But according to his trainer Matt Rooney, this is just the beginning for his young prodigy.
Typically, Lawrence contends with fighters 5kg heavier
than him, and yet still he boasts a 12-2 record — with those two losses coming against professional boxers.
Rooney has no doubt Lawrence has the capacity to become a prominent force in Australian boxing, adamant he “has what it takes to be a warrior”.
The Knuckles owner said the emerging talent had speed and reflexes he had rarely seen from a contender in the North.
“When he first came here he was like any novice who comes here, they don’t know what they’re doing,” Rooney said.
“We showed him the basics and what made Anthony different was when you show him something he picks it up straight away.
“You could see the improvement in him week by week, month by month, fight by fight.
“I’ve never seen him wobble or buzz, and he’s taken on some of the best locally. I honestly believe he’s one of the best I’ve ever taught.
“His reflexes and speed is the best our gym has seen, and I think he has the ability to go a long way.”
Lawrence will be joined on the card by heavyweight challenger Presley Wilcox, who will make his return to boxing after two years out of the sport.
Gates open from 5pm with tickets available at the door.