Lawton excited by return to Stoke

Lawton lost to John Murray in a British lightweight title bout in June

Stoke-on-Trent boxer Scott Lawton says he is relishing the prospect of fighting in front of his home fans at Fenton Manor on Friday, 13 November.

The 33-year-old takes on Liverpool's Derry Matthews, as part of the show being promoted by former world champion Ricky Hatton.

"You can't beat boxing in front of the Stoke people," he told BBC Radio Stoke.

"It's great that Ricky Hatton is coming to Stoke-on-Trent and I'm sure it will be a sell-out."

Lawton had contemplated retirement after losing to Manchester's John Murray in a British lightweight title bout in June.

However, Lawton has instead decided to step down a weight to super featherweight, and he is hopeful that he will be able to reward his supporters with more success.

"I performed badly against John Murray, but the support I had was brilliant," added Lawton.

"We were well outnumbered, but even the commentators were going on about how loud the Stoke fans were. They did me proud as usual.

"I've stepped down because at lightweight, the fighters were taking loads of weight off for the weigh-in and I didn't have to do that.

"But on the day of the fight, some would go up to 11st and more, whereas I'd be fighting at about 10st. I was losing out a little bit at the top level at that."