Lawrence stops Peralta with 3rd round flurry

Peralta was game in defeat, coming out swinging and throwing haymakers with a couple finding the target. Lawrence, however, countered skilfully.

The pattern continued in the second round and Lawrence caught Peralta with a punch that dropped him to his knees for a eight count.

It went all downhill for Peralta after that as Lawrence sensed his opponent was hurt and connected with some combinations of his own to end the second round on top. Saved by the bell, there was no respite in the third round as Lawrence swamped Peralta with some body shots and sharp right hocks to the head. The home corner, realising their fighter was in deep trouble, threw in the towel to give the Trinidadian the victory.

The win improves the Trini boxer’s record to eight wins and one defeat while his Venezuelan rival remains winless after four fights.

After the fight, Lawrence said: “I was not at my best as I picked up a virus the day before the fight an had to conserve energy. I am not going to celebrate Christmas as I am about to prepare further for the FECARBOX (Central American Boxing Federation) and Commonwealth title in January. I am very excited for this fight to represent my country at the highest level.”