Coward punching uncle facing long prison sentence
Andre Dirrell's uncle and trainer, Leon Lawson, is facing a long prison sentence if he's found guilty of first degree assault after his shocking attack over the weekend.
In disgusting scenes, Lawson coward-punched Jose Uzcategui after the Venezuelan was disqualified for a late shot against Andre Dirrell, Lawson's nephew.
Footage of the punches went viral over the weekend, as police chased Lawson who had fleed the event in Maryland, USA.
Now the extent of the charges against Lawson have been revealed after an official complaint was made to police by Uzcategui’s advisor Sean Gibbons.
Gibbons tweeted an image of the rap sheet against Lawson which read, "State of Maryland vs Leon Lawson Jr:.
@NigelBoxing @GoldenCalebT @MrDankStrain @codoll53 Coward Leon Lawson !! @zanferlilly @zanfernews @KevinI @latimespugmire @danrafaelespn @SteveFarhood @ pic.twitter.com/KprehsmYHd
— Sean Gibbons (@KnuckleheadSean) May 21, 2017
The paper identifies Lawson as an approximately 45-year-old man from Flint, Michigan.
He is currently facing two charges: Assault-First Degree and Assault-Second Degree.
Crucially for Lawson, if he's found guilty of first degree assault he could face a maximum 25-year prison sentence.
If he is instead found guilty of second degree assault he could face a maximum 10 year sentence.
You cannot possibly defend Leon Lawson. Should be banned from the sport forever. Scumbag! https://t.co/VhJjgOy8DY
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) May 21, 2017
Protect yourself at all times. Hopefully he does some time for this cowardly cheap shot. https://t.co/0954U8bwHG
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) May 21, 2017
Meanwhile, Andre Dirrell has apologised for the actions of his uncle and trainer.
"I'm sorry for what my coach has done," Dirrell said.
"My coach is my family, my uncle, and he was worried.
"He cares for me. He loves me. Please forgive him."