Norman takes every round at Planet Ice

Dylan Norman celebrates victory against experienced Richards

KNOWLE lightweight Dylan Norman continues to make pleasing progress as he serves his pro apprenticeship.

The immensely likeable fighter is, under the watchful eye of trainer Wayne Elcock, developing into a solid box fighter.

On Saturday, at Solihull’s Planet Ice, Norman extended his winning run to four by taking every round from vastly experienced Liam Richards, a journeyman with close to 100 fights under his belt.

Richards doesn’t win many, but he’s tested a raft of young prospects. He’s one of the British ring’s ultimate survivors: rarely stopped and with the ring smarts to make the action messy. Facing Richards can be a lesson in frustration.

Norman didn’t allow himself to become frustrated.

Former champ Elcock knew Richards was unlikely to be halted over the four round distance and kept his boxer disciplined.

It was a clinical performance from 22-year-old Norman (10st). He doubled the jab, turned the left hand into spiteful body shots and refused to get drawn into a maul.

He was not ruffled by Richards’ repertoire of ring antics. Many have been.

Norman landed a nice right to the body in the second and stepped-up a gear in the third. By the fourth, Richards (9st 13lb 2oz) was spoiling his way to the final bell.

Norman works Richards’ body

Dylan said afterwards: “Improving with each fight, that’s what it’s about.”

 “One hundred per cent, this year is going to be my year,” he predicted.