Top Boxer: the draw has now been made
This is the belt that will be worn by Saturday’s winner
THE draw for Saturday’s Top Boxer lightweight tournament had been made.
And tomorrow (Friday) at 1pm, the eight hopefuls vying for a £6,000 top prize will weigh at the place where the explosion happens, Planet Ice, Solihull.
In an intriguing first bout, Dylan Norman, undefeated and considered by many favourite to take the Top Boxer belt, will face highly experienced Louis Fielding.
The other bouts are: DJ Tollerton v Danny Williams; Ryan Griffiths v Stefan Vincent; Michael Mooney v Harley Marginson.
Here’s your form guide.
Dylan Norman, from Knowle, aged 23, unbeaten in four. He says: “I’m looking to put on a big show, I don’t shy away from a war. I’m ready to go out there and show what I’m about. I have the whole of Solihull supporting me and I want to put a smile on their faces. I’m in this game to be remembered and the only way to be remembered is to take risks.”
Louis Fielding, from Tamworth, aged 33, won 10, lost eight. He says: “I believe I’ve got the experience, that will be a positive factor, I’ve been in with the best. I’m getting on a bit and you’ve got to take the opportunities when they come. Winning this would be a great chapter in my book.”
DJ Tollerton, from Lincoln, aged 22, unbeaten in three. He says: “My manager had Joe Hughes in the Boxxer tournament,” he said. “I’ve seen it up close, it’s tough. I’m prepared for this, I think it suits me, I’m a fit kid. I want to test myself. I didn’t go into boxing to have my first eight fights against kids it wasn’t worth getting out of bed for.”
Michael Mooney, from Worcester, aged 38, won nine, lost 95, drawn two. He says: “I think my age is on my side because I have a lot of experience. It’s like Apollo Creed coming to town and giving the local lad the shot. This could be the real life Rocky story. This is the last chance saloon, it’s my last dance. When I was training, I was dropping people in the gym. Now I’m back training hard.”
Ryan Griffiths, from Dudley, aged 22, won two. He says: “(Manager) Errol Johnson (BCB boss) knows how these tournaments work, you’ll get the best out of me. In fights of three rounds, three minutes each round, you’ve got to be on your game from the get go. Most of these guys (in Top Boxer) are undefeated. If I didn’t take this, I wouldn’t be fighting guys like this until 10 or 11 fights in. I want to be the next BCB boxer to put their name on the map.”
Danny Williams, from Hereford, aged 34, unbeaten in three. He says: “This is my chance to get back right back into the mix. I’m 34, but I feel fitter now than when I was 19. I didn’t start boxing until I was 24, so I think that I’ve got a few years left in me yet. I want to get a shot at the Midlands title, at least, and sooner rather than later. I’m looking to clean my performances up and be more clinical.”
Harley Marginson, from Manchester, aged 31, lost seven, no wins. He says simply: “I’m the underdog coming to upset the apple-cart.”
Stefan Vincent, from Dorset, aged 32, won one, lost two. He says: “I’m going to do exactly what the last substitute did (Kirk Stevens came in as a late replacement and won the welterweight competition) – win the whole thing.”
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