Top Boxer - time for lightweights to shine
Dylan Norman…”winning would be a real statement”
THE line-up for Tommy Owen’s lightweight Top Boxer tournament – a one night thrills and spills, last-man-standing showdown – is almost complete.
On September 9 at Solihull’s Planet Ice eight hungry boxers will fight in three round, all guns blazing contests. The eventual winner will have boxed three times on the night – quarters, semis and grand final.
But the prize is worth the blood and bruises. The victor will receive a career-best payday and be fast-tracked to a title fight.
September 9 is going to be a big night for West Midlands boxing, a night dedicated to the lightweight division. As well as Top Boxer, Birmingham prospects Scott Melvin and Mykey Lee Broughton meet in one of the most significant Midlands title fights for years.
It’s also hoped former outstanding amateur Niall Farrell will appear on a show that is not to be missed.
Those taking the gamble in Top Boxer – and anything can happen in a bout lasting just nine minutes – include Knowle’s relentless Dylan Norman. The 23-year-old, trained by Wayne Elcock, has won four on the spin as a pro and is emerging as one to watch.
He said: “I think the competition will be a great vehicle to really put myself on the map. I think Birmingham has some of the best young lightweights in the country, so to win would be a real statement.
“I’m not looking at any particular opponent. I’m training to be the best me on the night. So far, people have only seen 40 per cent of my capability. This is my chance to show a lot more.”
Louis Fielding…most experienced boxer in the pack
Tamworth’s Louis Fielding will be the most experienced boxer in Top Boxer by a long chalk. The 33-year-old has had three Midlands title fights in an 18 fight career (eight losses).
Black Country Boxing Promotions Ryan Griffiths has also thrown his hat into the ring after two pro bouts, both wins.
In a recent interview, the Dudley 22-year-old told me: “I come from a boxing and kick-boxing background. I’m a left-hander with the ability to switch, to work from both stances.
Ryan Griffiths (right)….switch-hitter has won two on the spin
“I’ve got a bit of backing and I’ve got myself a few sponsors.”
He added: “Every boxer’s dream is to fight for a world title, but it’s one step at a time, one fight at a time and see what comes.
“I decided to turn pro after a prize-fighter type tournament. I reached the final and my opponent’s trainer – someone who has been around the pro game – said I was too good for white collar.
“I emailed Black Country Boxing, they invited me down to a training session to take a look and signed me.
“I’d like to think I’ve got the power. Someone who took me on the pads said I hit like a super-middle, not a lightweight.”
DJ Tollerton, from Lincoln, could be one to watch in the competition. The 22-year-old, dubbed The Body Snatcher, is unbeaten in three, all on points, all over the four round distance.
BCB’s unbeaten Daniel Williams, trained by Tony Chadwick, has the makings of being Top Boxxer’s dark horse. From Hereford, Dan has won both his four rounders on points.