Norton takes title

12:00pm Tuesday 7th October 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

STOURBRIDGE cruiserweight Robert Norton is planning a triumphant homecoming after winning the British title.

The 36-year-old eased to a unanimous points decision against the Londoner Micky Steeds in Burton on Friday night.

Now former WBU world champion Norton wants to make the first defence of the title in front of his own fans in the Black Country.

He said: “It would be a dream for me to defend the title at Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

“To fight on home turf as the British champion would be brilliant.”

Norton ensured that his patience really did pay-off against Steeds.

It was fully five years ago that he lost his first bid to win the title when he was outpointed by Mark Hobson.

He had been the mandatory challenger for three years and was not going to waste this chance.

He added: “I had waited a too long to blow it and if I don't take it, when would it come again.

“To be fair I've waiting around a stupid amount of time.

“I stuck with this game when many would have given up.

“I need to fight more often and hopefully I can make a quick defence and I'll box better, I'm sure.

“I was beginning to think I would never get another chance. But I'm not a quitter.

“I kept training, earned my chance and I was determined to take it.

“My preparations couldn't have been better and I was confident that I could win.”

Norton also owed his chance to his new manager, PJ Rowson, who secured the title fight just four months after they linked-up.

Rowson said: “We all had great faith in Robert and it is brilliant that he has brought this title back to the First Team gym.”