Perseverance Pays For Lawrence Lofts

Lawrence has been training and fighting out of Purley’s Fight Factory Gym since early 2008. His main ambition back then was to get fit and maybe spar with a few of the regular boxers.

He had his first exhibition bout in December that year and said himself that it would probably be his last.
But down to sheer hard work and determination last Sunday he was crowned champion. With help from Fight Factory's boxing trainers, former WBU World Champion Wayne Alexander and gym-owner Darren Chan, Lawrence is now looking forward to further glories.

Lawrence in his own words...

I had a few fights in the early 90's but didn’t take it altogether seriously and drifted away from it. I'd always wondered what may have been so when a friend told me about Fight Factory I thought why not?

I started training at Fight Factory in July 2008, at first my main ambition was to get fit and maybe have a spar with one of the 'real boxers'. When I got the chance I didn’t think I would last long so I just wailed away like an idiot...It wasn’t very scientific but I remember they admired my spirit.

I had my first exhibition fight in December that year; I was pretty sure it would be my last fight as well but I enjoyed the whole occasion so much that I have carried on ever since. I have had my ups and downs but kept listening to my coaches and looking at ways to improve. I don’t consider myself a natural talent so everything I achieve is down to pure hard work. I'm used to having rings ran round me by more natural boxers but I keep walking them down until they've had enough.

Things have really come together over the last year and Sunday was a culmination of the effort we have put in as a team - I trained five months for this fight alone. My opponent, Dave Webster, was a tough and clever fighter who I may well meet again at some point. It's hard to put into words how proud and emotional I was at the end, but the feelings of sheer joy will last me for the rest of my life.

However, I don’t see this as the end at all - I have serious ambitions to win more belts before I hang the gloves up. Winning my first title will hopefully open up some doors for me and I am keen to build on this

I would like to thank all the staff and members for their help and support over the last three years. You are like an extended family to me and I hope I can return the compliment to each of you in the future.