Pritchard hails 'proper character' Cutler as he targets big 2024

Coach Josh Pritchard hailed the progress made by Dorset fighter Lee Cutler and insisted he had become a “proper character” in the famous McGuigan Gym. 

The man nicknamed ‘Chaos’ claimed the English super-welterweight title, with a unanimous decision win over Kingsley Egbunike at the BIC last month.

Success saw Cutler seal victory under the tutelage of Pritchard at the first time of asking, having made the trip to London to join up with the McGuigan stable last October. 

And speaking to Total Guide to Dorset after that contest, Pritchard praised the dedication of the former Parkstone ABC man. 

“I am super proud of him,” said Pritchard. 

“He’s fantastic. He’s a really nice lad. He’s a proper character of the gym now, which is lovely to see. He really slips into place nicely.

“He’s made a big move. It’s been intense for him, he’s been learning loads and when you learn new stuff, it’s hard to take that on board and can become frustrating. 

“But I am really, really pleased. Really proud of him and I believe it’s the first of many (titles). 

“You get to know your fighter over a couple of years, not just eight weeks! But I knew of Lee, I watched him box. He’s friends with Chris (Billam-Smith), so it’s been a team effort. 

“We have got the English title, we build and we move on. I’m really chuffed. It’s my first title as well, being a chief second.”

Cutler, who was previously trained in Dorset by Kev Thorniley, is now based in London as he continues to progress in the pro ranks. 

He is keen to fight Benwell’s Joe Laws next, looking to defend his English crown and avenge a defeat he suffered in the amateurs. 

Asked whether 2024 could be a big year for Cutler, Pritchard replied: “I think so. He wants to box Joe Laws. 

“He’s got previous beef there from back in the amateurs. He lost to Joe Laws for the English title in the amateurs, so I think he would like to avenge that in the pros which would be nice. 

“Potentially Joe Laws and then look for a British (title)? Let’s see what Ben (Shalom) can do.”

(Picture: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER)