Down The Line

It doesn’t take too much imagination to see Jamie Lawrence in a boxing ring.

A few opponents down the years will feel they have gone the distance against such a heavyweight competitor.

But Lawrence is busy sparring for his official debut as a pugilist when he headlines the Behind Enemy Lines bill at the Clapham Grand.

The white collar show, organised by the London Boxing Club, takes place on Thursday, November 22 – and Lawrence cannot wait to get stuck in.

He said: “I’ve always fancied getting in the ring and feeling the buzz. It’s different from football because there’s nobody to get you out of trouble – it’s just you and him in a dark place.

“I’ve had an interest in it for a while. One of my mates boxes white collar and I’ve done a bit with the boys in the gym, so I thought I might as well have a go.”

The fight will be at light-heavyweight 80kg over three two-minute rounds and Lawrence has been training with the same intensity of his footballing days.

He said: “The weight’s never been a problem because I don’t really carry any more than that anyway. And I’m fit enough as it is.

“I don’t know who the opponent is yet but they are putting on England v Scotland. The promoter will watch me sparring and then match me after that.

“But I feel sorry for the poor guy who steps in that ring. He’s going to be in some big trouble!”

White collar boxing first emerged in America in the 1990s, allowing businessmen with no previous fighting experience to train for special events.

Lawrence said: “It started off with a lot of bankers wanting to fight but now it’s all different types of people. Most of them just want to get into shape.

“I went to watch a show and the standard is pretty good. I can promise that anyone who comes to watch me fight will be in for a treat.”

Tickets are available from Lynton@claphamgrand.com or by calling 02073-765555.