I’ll never forget my roots when I’m a star
CRAIG JOHNS BREAKS THE FIRST RULE
FOR a professional boxer in just his third fight, October 13 2018 was about as good as it can get for Joe Laws.
Selling around 1,000 tickets to a big Matchroom Boxing show, he was roared on to an impressive stoppage victory against Chris Truman at Newcastle’s then-named Metro Radio Arena.
He was the talk of the town, with Sky Sports wanting to speak to him, Eddie Hearn praising him and his social media accounts booming as videos of his night’s work continued to do the rounds online.
To say he made a big impact would be an understatement.
In an era of boxing where your marketability is every bit as important as your skills in the boxing ring, the fanfriendly Laws – aptly named ‘the Benwell Bomber’ – has it all.
And yet scratch the surface of the larger-than-life character and what you find is a loyal and humble young man hoping boxing will provide him with a good life, but one in which he never forgets his roots.
Despite his instant success, Laws remains humble and balanced, focused on improving still, rather than believing any hype too much.
It’s why his first fight of 2019 will be back to the small hall shows on March 16 as he boxes at Rainton Meadows Arena on a Phill Jeffries-steve Wraith co-promotion suitably named New Kids On The Block.
Some top, up-and-coming North East talents such as Joe Maphosa, Luke Cope and Dean Laing will feature, but it’s fair to say, after his big night in front of the TV cameras, Laws will be the star attraction.
“It was mad to be honest,” Laws reflects. “I’m so happy with how that went and how last year went as a whole.
“Three fights and three wins, the third being on that big show. I couldn’t ask for much more really.
“Life hasn’t changed much since it happened. Obviously I’ve gained a fair few extra followers on social media which is excellent, but it was straight back to work for me and my team.
“I’m only 24, and I’m a young 24. I’ve only boxed six rounds as pro boxer and I’ve still got so much to learn. Every time I get in the ring, every time I step into the gym, I’m learning new skills. That’s what boxing is all about; always improving.
“I can’t wait to be back in on March 16 for the first of the year. We’ve tasted the big show and I want to get back there but I’m humble and I know that there’s plenty to learn. The small hall shows are where I’ll do that and if I keep improving and keep winning it will mean I’m ready to take the big opportunity when it comes.”
Some might find going from the Utilita Arena to the Rainton Meadows Arena a little demotivating, but not Laws, who’s sold around 3-400 tickets a fortnight ahead of the show and predicts he might sell more yet.
When I say sell, I mean physically sell them too. Laws personally drives around delivering every ticket he sells before a fight – even before the Matchroom show – because he wants to show his gratitude to his fans.
“I love boxing on small hall shows. I’ve boxed at the Rainton Meadows before and the atmosphere is always bouncing there.
“It’s not easy to sell tickets but it’s increasingly important in boxing and I’m really grateful to my fans – the bomb squad. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.
“Since fight number one I’ve been making a record of who buys tickets and how many. I’ve about 2-300 really loyal fans who never miss a fight and I want to make sure I never forget that. It’s all about staying humble.
“Obviously I want to become a big star in this sport and with that will hopefully come a lot more fans, but those loyal fans who supported me from day one, I never want to forget that or forget them.”
Laws certainly has all the tools in his locker to become a star. So what does 2019 have in store for him?
“Loads of wins,” he says, the cheekier side of his personality that has endeared him to so many boxing fans making a brief appearance.
“No, any boxer will tell you never look past the next fight. That’s the most important fight.
“So I can’t look too far ahead, but my goal this year is to just be as active as I possibly can, keep winning, keep progressing – hopefully step up the rounds to six and eight – and keep learning.”
Laws is part of a stellar line-up at the Rainton Meadows Arena on Saturday, March 16. Tickets are available from any boxers on the card.