Swindon trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick hailed his boxer Luke Watkins’ character and composure for climbing off the canvas to earn an eighth career victory.
A stunned Swindon crowd went silent as Watkins hit the canvas for the first time in his career early in round two against Latvian Reinis Porozovs.
And despite being visibly shaken, Watkins recovered superbly to return the favour and knock down Porozovs later in the round.
Watkins then completed the job in the fifth round as his power proved too much for the Latvian.
Fitzpatrick admitted taking a “calculated risk” by accepting Porozovs as an opponent for Watkins but believes it proved a perfect learning fight for his boxer.
Click on the video below to hear Fitzpatrick’s analysis of Watkins’ latest win.
Watkins returns to action next month when he fights on a Goodwin Promotions bill at London’s prestigious York Hall.
His opponent is still to be named and despite no being ranked eighth best in the British cruiserweight rankings, Fitzpatrick revealed the pair will now bide their time and plot their next move as they pursue a future world title shot.
