Norman is back after op stalled his career

Dylan Norman…back in gym after hip injury lay-off

FOR hot prospect Dylan Norman the frustration continues after injury stalled his promising career.

The Knowle light-welter is now back in the gym after undergoing surgery on a “labrum tear”. To the layman, that’s a rip in the cartilage around the hip and it’s a pretty serious sporting injury.

A doctor has told Dylan he’s fit to fight on, but the Board of Control, understandably, want strong professional proof he’s ready to resume a career that has brought the 24-year-old nine straight wins.

That means evidence from specialists – and evidence from specialists costs money.

“I’ve been stressed to my eyeballs because I’m so passionate about boxing,” Dylan said. “I’ve been told by a doctor my hip is so much stronger – 100 per cent stronger – but the Board need more evidence.”

Norman last fought in June and was really building a head of steam before the lay-off. He had three fights in six months, appeared on a major show and was zeroing in on a title fight.

“With each fight I was getting better and better,” he said.

“I’ve been fighting through the injury for the last two years. It’s all that running I’ve done over the years. I’ve never had much luck on my side, but I’ll keep fighting. I never give up.

“I’ve been back in the gym for about a week, but I’ve never stopped training. After the op, I was doing press-ups in my room and shadow boxing. It’s just a case of getting that fitness in sparring and that will soon come.”

He added: “It’s frustrating, but early next year I’ll be back – and back with a bang.”