Fast Facts
Age: 29
X: Josephlaws
Nationality: British
From: Benwell
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 5ft 9ins
Record: 14-2 (5)
Division: Middleweight (but is willing to fight from 147 to 168)
Next fight: Laws returned after a 10-month layoff to outpoint Michael Hennessy Jnr in October and is looking to build on that early this year.
When and why you started boxing:
My brother had his first amateur fight when he was 16 against a lad from his class in school. They fought like hell in a shitty social club and the atmosphere was something else! After watching that I walked into Grainger Park Boys Club and never looked back. I had my first fight at 13.
Favourite all-time fighter:
Ricky Hatton, he was the people’s champ. Never changed and always stayed grounded. The way he created space to find the body shot was an art.
Best fight you’ve seen:
Cyrus Pattison-Chris Jenkins had a fight last year! Round eight was one the best rounds I’ve seen live.
Personal career highlight:
I’ve won titles as an amateur, boxed on Sky Sports and TV numerous times. But I get young lads, maybe aged 12 to 15, come to me and ask me questions about everyday stuff. The fact they put their trust in me is my biggest achievement and l help them every time.
Toughest opponent:
I’ve sparred and fought lots of world class fighters, but I have to say Rylan Charlton because he flanged me! I was extremely ill at the time but by God didn’t he do a number on me [l ko 3]!
Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
I have balls the size of coconuts. I don’t like trouble outside the ring but when I step through them ropes and get walloped a few times something changes in me. Jabs are defo my strong point.
Training tip:
Runners don’t win fights, weights don’t win fights, nutritionists don’t win fights, they just add the single percentages onto the finished product. Ninety per cent of a fight is won by fighting – so get in the gym and learn how to.
Favourite meal/restaurant:
I love a good old school dinner; meat, tatties and veg with loads of tomato sauce.
Best friends in boxing:
Got a good bond with all the boxers I’ve spent time with, but Tommy Hodge, Dean Laing, Jordan Reynolds, April Hunter and Rob Ismay are like family to me.
Which other athlete would you like to be?
Anything that doesn’t involve getting punched in the face.
One thing you would change about boxing:
If I could go back in time, to when I was 13, and learn the art a bit more, turn southpaw, work on defence. But those are ifs and buts, so I’ve got to play the cards I’m dealt.
Have you ever been starstruck?
I like boxers for who they are you, fame does nowt for me. I like the humble guys who are just like us. I’ve met some bellends in boxing and I wouldn’t piss on them if they were on fire. I remember, I was raising money for charity and I asked lots of boxers to sign a glove so it could be auctioned off. About 15 just ignored me. Liam Williams replied and sent me a signed glove the next day. Keep in mind he’d lost to Chris Eubank only days before. That to me goes a long way and he is a legend in my book.
Last time you cried:
My nanny was the most precious woman I’ve ever met. The feeling I get is overwhelming when I go see her grave.
Tell us something not many people know about you:
Everyone thinks I’m a party animal, but I’ve never had a class A drug in my life – and I will take a lie detector with anyone. I’m riddled with ADHD so people presume I’m high [laughs].