John Watson

John Watson (born 9 June 1983) is a British lightweight boxer, based in Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom. He has fought for the British lightweight title on two occasions, losing to Gavin Rees and Anthony Crolla.

Boxing career

Amateur career On 28 April 2002 Watson was crowned Junior ABA champion after opponent Jimmy Fletcher pulled out of the final with an injury. The pinnacle of Watson's amateur career was winning the 2004 senior Amateur Boxing Association championships at light welterweight Watson was involved with the 2004 Olympics being Amir Khan's chief training and sparring partner. The same year saw Watson pick up bronze boxing for England in a multinations tournament, held in Lithuania.

Professional career Watson turned professional on 10 March 2007, scoring a points victory against Jason Nesbitt. Watson scored another points victory in his second bout against Johnny Greaves on 11 August 2007. In his final fight of 2007 Watson defeated Ade Adebolo by TKO. Watson returned to the ring in February 2008 against Darren Broomhall, victory coming via a KO in the first round. The following month Watson chalked another win against Baz Carey. After his first seven wins Watson signed a three-year contract with David Haye's Hayemaker Promotions. He finished the year Boxing at London's O2 Arena against Silence Saheed on the Undercard of David Haye's Heavyweight Debut against Monte Barrett.