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Mikael Lawal Wins British Title As David Jamieson Suffers Broken Jaw

Written by Kerr Ferguson on 27th November 2022.

Mikael Lawal and David Jamieson

Mikael Lawal won the vacant British Cruiserweight Title after a valiant showing from late opponent, David Jamieson, ended via corner retirement.

Who says social media is bad for boxing? The Scot noticed on Lawal’s Instagram that he was in search of an opponent. He was originally due to face Deion Jumah. Jamieson, in a story with fairytale potential, stepped in on just 10 days notice.

Both men were throwing with intent in the first. Nothing of huge note landed, but that would soon change. Before the second, Jamieson told his trainer ‘I’m stronger than him on the inside.’ He got in and proved that, letting his hands go forcing Lawal to hold on.

Lawal worked his jab but the round went to Jamieson through sheer activity. The third saw the pair fighting up close again. The Scot’s strategy to get on the inside started to show flaws, namely that Lawal could catch him coming in with the power he’s becoming known for.

The London fighter landed some big shots that allowed him to take the round as well as the wind from his opponent. The fourth had great back and forth action, Lawal content to sit on the ropes and counter as Jamieson continued to work the body, doubling up on his hooks.

Jamieson kept pushing the pace in the fifth, showing off some good footwork and quick combos given the short notice. Lawal was happy to take the punches in bunches before firing back single power shots with varied success.

Lawal’s shots started to snap the head back of his opponent in the sixth, none more than the left hand he threw with a minute to go. Jamieson took it well, but returned to his stool bloodied.

The Scot had some respite in the seventh round – Lawal’s first ever – when he was hit low, the referee giving him time to get his breath. He came back stronger than ever, logging his best segment of the fight with some big, clean punches to body and head.

Just as it looked like the pair were feeling the pace in the eighth, they ended the round powerfully trading hooks. In the break, Jamieson highlighted a problem to his corner which looked like a broken jaw.

Although Jamieson was standing, the injury was clear and the referee had no choice but to wave the contest off. The doctor took over, peeling his gum shield out carefully to examine. Lawal’s heavy-handed work had paid off without it being obvious. Nobody but the man himself will know the pain, and Jamieson lives to fight another day.

And the new British Cruiserweight Champion is Mikael Lawal in a fight that was promising a show-stopping end. Heartbreak for Jamieson, who has given an incredible account of himself. He should return to Scotland with his head held high. Lawal will move onto more intriguing bouts in a domestic cruiserweight scene that’s as promising as ever.