Top Boxer’s hit list: Dylan Norman, 4-0

Dylan Norman….aims to prove he’s one of the best

IT is the dramatic competition that has gripped fighters and fight public alike.

On September 9, at Planet Ice, Solihull, eight fighters will roll the dice and take part in Tommy Owen’s Top Boxer tournament.

The tournament comprises bouts of only three rounds, a distance that guarantees action: there’s no time to size-up an opponent. There’s the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final on the same night.

It’s a huge gamble, but, for the battered and bruised winner, a gamble worth taking. He will receive a huge payday – £6,000, £3,000 for the losing finalist, £2,000 to the semi-finalists – and a Midlands title shot.

The eight are:

Knowle’s Dylan Norman. The 23-year-old, trained by Wayne Elcock, has won four on the spin as a pro.

Tamworth’s Louis Fielding. The 33-year-old has had three Midlands title fights in an 18 fight career (eight losses).

Dudley’s Ryan Griffiths, 22, has won both pro bouts.

Lincoln’s DJ Tollerton 22, is unbeaten in three, all on points, all over the four round distance.

Hereford’s Daniel Williams, 34, has won both his four rounders on points.

Leicester’s Seb Simmonds drew his debut, against Karl Sampson, in May.

Nottingham’s Delmar Thomas, 27, is on a three bout losing streak and will have been out of the ring for a year when the Top Boxer bell rings.

Walsall’s Darnell Duut comes into the competition with only one pro bout under his belt – and that was a draw in February, 2022.

Each week, Fight City will shine the spotlight on one of the eight competitors. We’ll start the ball rolling with one of the favourites, DYLAN NORMAN.

Pick your ideal first opponent? How do you win and why?

It’s hard to say who I would like first, but I think me and Louis Fielding would make for a great first round fight. I think I would win on points.

You’re now warmed up, pick your ideal semi final opponent?

I don’t really know much about these lads, so it’s really hard to say, but I think it could be me and Danny Williams in the semi-final. It will be another blockbuster fight and I win on points.

You’re now in the final. Who’s in the opposite corner?

I think it could be me and Delmar Thomas in the final. He’s a good lad and  what a way to finish the show - it’s gonna be a hell of a fight that I believe I’ll win on points.

Why are you taking the Top Boxer gamble?

It is going to be a night to remember in Birmingham - it’s not often you get to see eight great fighter stepping up and taking the risk.

The area has some great lightweights and I believe I’ll emerge as one of Birmingham’s best. It’s the perfect platform to showcase what I’m all about, to show the public what I’m all about.

Interview by DEREK FITZPATRICK