Fredrick Lawson has been here before. He knows what it’s like to have your locker surrounded by admiring faces and reporters hanging on your every word.

Lawson knows what the other side is like too; when folks speak of you in the past tense if they speak of you at all.

Once Ghana’s most promising prospect, “General Okunka” worked his way up to an IBF Welterweight title eliminator versus Kevin Bizier in November 2015. A victory meant facing then-champion, Kell Brook, next.

Lawson started strong, but Bizier came on down the stretch, scoring a tenth-round TKO when a jaw injury forced Lawson to retire.

The loss set off a series of events that give Lawson cause to reflect while mending. So-called friends disappeared. Ghanaian media outlets who once hounded him now rarely mentioned his name even fewer reached out.

Lawson opted for a fresh start once he healed. He is now based in New York, switching from the famed trainer, Abel Sanchez, to Kwame Asante, who guided the careers of Joshua Clottey, Alfred Kotey, and Ben Tackie. Lawson’s remained in the gym since, ending his 15-month layoff last March in Ghana with a decision over Sakima Mullings.

The performance caught the eye of legendary former world champion, Evander Holyfield, who signed the 28-year-old Lawson (25-1, 20 KO’s) to a promotional contract with his new company, Real Deal Sports & Entertainment.

The manoeuvre places Lawson in a familiar territory, on a road he’s traveled before. He has been speaking on the lessons he’s learned, a potential September return and much more.

Congratulations on signing with Real Deal Promotions .

Thank you. I feel great. I’m really excited about having Real Deal Promotions behind me and giving me a chance. I just thank God that after all the hardships, everything is coming around like I wanted.

Can you provide any news as far as your next fight?

As far as my opponent is concerned, I haven’t been told, but my focus is on getting ready for a September fight no matter who it is. We’ll know more in the days ahead but I am preparing already. I’m in the gym every day.

Your victory last month was your first fight in 16 months. How did it feel to be back in the ring after the layoff?

It was a good fight because I needed the tune-up. I’ve never really been affiliated with the WBC so it was nice to win the vacant WBC International Silver Welterweight title and to be rated by them. I’m just thankful. I had a few injuries, had so much time away from the sport, so to come back, get the victory and then be ranked by them, I just have to thank God.

Did you feel rusty at all?

I didn’t feel that rusty but I also know I can do better than what I did. But it had been a long time since I had gone 12 rounds. To do it in an open arena was a good test for me. People will have to see what I will show them next and that’s what we are preparing for. We got the victory and I went right back to the gym. We’re ready.

You’ve experienced ups and of course downs with the Kevin Bizier loss and the jaw injury. What did you learn from that fight and about yourself?

I learned many things in that fight, particularly about preparation. My trainer then (Abel Sanchez) told me to make sure to watch my eating habits and stuff. I was putting in the work in the gym but I wasn’t eating the right way because I was really concerned about cutting down weight and making sure I was on point.

I thought I was strong but when I got into the ring I felt weak. So, I could see the opportunities to land against Bizier but I didn’t have the strength to throw the punches. The spirit was willing but the body was weak and I got tired. I promised myself and to my fans that this won’t ever happen again. I’m 100% now...

Well, the boxers and coaches must dedicate themselves and be serious. I sometimes listen to these boxers on social media, calling themselves the “King of Africa Boxing” or “African Mayweather” and all this blah blah.

For me, they are just funny. If you want to be a champion, travel outside of the country and test yourself. Don’t sit in your country and say you are this and that. Let the world give you that name. Don’t be a king in your backyard, be a master everywhere. If you feel you are the man, travel outside the country, see things and fight for yourself as Richard Commey, Duke Micah, Isaac Dogboe and myself are doing here.

Ghana boxing is coming up now so there are opportunities and those fighters must take advantage. Azumah Nelson can really help.

The boxers must also be wise. There was a young boy who used to come and watch me in the fight. And I saw a couple months ago that he is now fighting. And it broke my heart because this boy shouldn’t be fighting professionally.

I called and asked him why is he jumping to professional and he said he needed money. I understand but boxing is not a game where you can just jump into it. It is dangerous. You have to pass through levels. Ask the Klitschko’s what they did to get to where they are.