Big time boxing returns with a bang tonight when Rob Norton defends his British and Commonwealth titles against the challenge of old foe David Dolan, live on Sky Sports 2 from 10pm.
Cruiserweight Norton edged a breathtaking encounter on points when these two met last year but former heavyweight Dolan knows he has a score to settle, meaning we could be in for another eventful evening.
After eight fights undefeated, challenger David Dolan shot to fame in 2008 when contesting the final of the first instalment of Prize-Fighter with Irishman Martin Rogan. Little did we know that we were witnessing the birth of a future Commonwealth champion that night but unfortunately for Dolan it wasn’t to be him. Rugged Rogan outworked his taller opponent before taking the bout on points, inflicting the Sunderland man’s first defeat.
Despite finishing as a `runner up` on that occasion, Dolan had won the hearts of all at ringside and after shifting the extra weight, was awarded with a shot at the vacant British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles against Norton.
Again, it wasn’t to be the 6ft orthodox’s night and although he recorded a performance that belonged to a man with twice his experience, Dolan was outdone on the judge’s scorecards. Despite getting back to winning ways since, odds compilers don’t fancy the thirty year olds chances, offering him as big as 24/13 (Expekt.com) to force an upset.
Seven years his senior, Rob Norton is undoubtedly nearing the end of his career but the man from Worcestershire appears to be aging like a fine wine, remaining undefeated since 2007. Having spent an incredible seventeen years in the pro game Norton has had his fair share of highlights in the ring but the 6ft 2inch southpaw hasn’t had it all his own way.
After winning his first seventeen bouts the shaven headed puncher lost to Darren Corbett on points when contesting the Commonwealth crown. An eighth round stoppage defeat followed at the hands of South African Sebastiaan Rothmann for a WBU title in 1999 but it was defeat to Serbian Enad Liana in a non-title bout which signalled the low point of Norton’s career.
Since that massive set back in 2007 the champion took almost a year out before re-emerging as a new man. A points win over Isle of dogs scrapper Micky Steads saw him snatch the vacant Lonsdale belt before the win over Dolan allowed him to add the Commonwealth strap. Another convincing judge’s decision in his last over Belgian Ismail Abdoul enhanced his record to thirty-nine wins, nineteen inside the distance against four defeats with one contest drawn and bookies think he can continue this incredible fairytale finish with another win here at 1/2 (Stan James).
With both men boxing recently we should have two extremely fit, sharp fighters on our hands who know a win could catapult them into the big time whilst defeat would signal the end.
Despite Norton enduring a lengthy career he has gained some vital experience along the way and I see that paying dividends here. Dolan will be out for revenge after analysing the footage of last year’s defeat but Norton should remain cool, using his slick boxing skills and tricky southpaw style to put rounds in the bank.
Although each of the champions last three bouts have travelled the scheduled distance, he has halted 51% of his opponents but considering Dolan has shared a ring with some hard hitting heavyweights and never been stopped, the 4/5 (Boylesports) about a successful defence of points merits serious consideration. Two of the challengers last three have also gone to points meaning the 2/7 about over 9.5 rounds should provide the safest bet of the evening for big stakes players.
Earlier in the evening Scottish welterweight Kevin McIntyre should have the class to out box Mark Thompson at 8/15 whilst Cello Renda should learn from his mistakes and turn the tables on Paul Samuels at 1/2, both with Boylesports.
