Dylan: I’m back and stronger than ever!

Dylan Norman….fights at Holiday Inn on February 14

DYLAN Norman’s growing band of faithful followers have a name – the Norman Army.

And they can look forward to another conquest when the wildly popular super-lightweight steps through the ropes at Birmingham Airport’s Holiday Inn on February 14 following an eight-month injury absence.

There were even those who feared the serious labrum tear – a rip in the sleeve of cartilage shielding his hip – would end Dylan’s career before it truly blossomed.

But following surgery and a bill of health from specialist, the Knowle 24-year-old is back and, he insists, better than ever.

He admitted: “There were times I thought it (would be over), but I’m very positive. I wouldn’t be a fighter if I wasn’t prepared to fight for the things that are worth fighting for.

“And I’m stronger than ever. It was an operation that had to be done and it’s made me 10 times stronger. I’d had the problem for years, it was one of those. You have a little pain, think it’s nothing, then it gets worse. Thankfully, it’s got sorted pretty quickly.”

Losing Norman would’ve been a cruel blow on many levels. Midlands boxing is enjoying a boomtime, with big time promoters regularly staging arena shows in Birmingham. Dylan, unbeaten in nine and with an exciting style, can be a part of that resurgence.

The super-lightweight (10st) division simmers and bubbles with boxing talent. He can feature in the many exciting match-ups.

He’s also overcome a tough, even harrowing, childhood. Each victory inspires other young survivors.

Norman has certainly gathered a following and, despite inactivity, the numbers appear to have swelled. He believes he knows why.

He said: “I’m humble, I give value for money, I’m not a show-boater, I come from a rough background and know I represent the people who come to support me. Boxing is about being a gentleman and I believe I’m a gentleman.”

Norman, who turned pro after a limited amateur career, is far from the finished article, there are still faults. But he’s tough, always ready for a tear-up and would fight anyone, regardless of reputation.

He has a heart as big as a bucket.

Norman added: “I’m proud to be from the Midlands, I’m proud to be from the Eastside gym stable, I’ve never walked away from a fight.

“I’m learning more about my own style. Every day at Eastside is a schoolday, I’ve learned it’s not about just ‘stand and bang’. Styles make fights and I think I can adapt to any style.

“There’s been a Midlands boxing explosion, it’s really going to take off and I want to be a part of that.”