The semi-final round of The Jose Sulaiman World Invitational Tournament will take place on Saturday, August 25th in Toronto, Canada when Ghana’s prolific boxer Frederick Lawson (27-1, 21 KO) takes on Chris Van Heerden (26-2-1) of South Africa in a titanic penultimate clash to the finals.
When Boxing Ghana caught up with “the General” as he is affectionately called, Frederick Lawson was very optimistic ahead of the bout.
“I am very ready for the bout, I’ve been training for the bout for sometime now and like I promised before the tournament, I think this is my time and am ready to deliver.” Lawson said.
When the Jamestown native was asked how well he knew his opponent nicknamed “The Heat,” Lawson had this to say.
” Well, I know that he is a good boxer, a strong boxer, and has a lot of experience in the game but that counts for nothing as far as am concerned. This is my time and am ready to deliver.
Look, I respect Chris and his accomplishments but I’m just too strong and hungry for him.” Bullishly retorted “The General.”
Indeed, Chris is a South African native and his last defeat was against the hard puncher and current IBF welterweight Champion Errol Spence Junior in 2015, which he lost via an 8th round TKO.
Remember, the overall winner of the Jose Sulaiman World Invitational Tournament will be in a pole position to fight for the WBC Welterweight World Title.
“I am very aware of the kind of opponent I am meeting and like I said, I am more than ready for the bout.
I am equally grateful to my technical team made up of Carl Lokko, Kwame Asante and all the other guys.” Lawson stated.
However the General had a plea from his fans and Ghanaians in general.
“I want my fans and indeed all of Ghana to pray for me. Even better if they are able to come and support me in Canada ” Lawson stressed.
Boxing Ghana is aware that the Ghana Boxing Supporters Union (GBSU) are frantically preparing to make the trip in order to support Frederick Lawson.
The other second semi-final sees America’s Brad Solomon (28-1, 9 KOs) against Mexico’s Francisco Santana (25-6-12 KOs).
By: Siegu Yaw Winfred, Worlanyo