LUKE ‘The Duke’ Watkins says he has been overwhelmed by the support he received from far and wide after suffering defeat to Lawrence Okolie.

The cruiserweight lost his Commonwealth title after being stopped by the Olympian in the third round at York Hall earlier this month, in what was his first defeat as a professional.

In the wake of the fight, the 28-year-old former New College student has been amazed by the level of support received from the people of Swindon, and thanked them for their commitment.

“It’s been unreal. I say it all the time but to suffer your first defeat and still get the support to come through afterwards has been incredible,” said Watkins, who also highlighted the work of his Ferndale Road-based trainer Paddy Fitzpatrick.

“I’ve never had that level of support before and it feels like everything has bumped up a few notches, which is overwhelming.

“I think I have won over more of Swindon which is amazing. The fact that Swindon get behind me and push me the way they do is unreal.

“I’m a local lad so for them to get behind me means the world to me. I’m behind this town and I want to repay the community.

“There is one other thank you and that is Paddy. He is the driving force behind this and sees the biggest vision that I can’t see.''

Watkins, who is pencilled in to return to the ring in September, admits his sponsors are also a huge help to him.

After turning professional four years ago, the Duke says the loyalty shown to him by his backers is something he holds high in regard.

“Most people are going to think I have a lot of sponsors. I have 12 but they all play such key roles in what I do,” he said.

“Three came on board during the Okolie fight and I am very grateful for that. They have come on to back me.

“Then I also have the guys who have been with me since the very beginning. I find that loyalty in this day and age is rare and they have seen the vision which we have seen from the very beginning.

“Sometimes that is hard for a business owner to see and commit to, it’s something which has helped me a lot.”

Watkins is currently sponsored by the likes of Rueben Digital, Jazzbones Creative, Marlborough Fitness & Performance Centre, N&B Food Services, Abbey Move, Back2Fitness Sports Therapy, Baker’s Scaffolding, T2 Elite, Siam Thai, Cross Street Cars and More Than a Website.