Norton ends long wait on Friday

Stourbridge's Rob Norton will finally get his chance to end a three-year wait for title glory in Burton on Friday night.

The No 1 contender steps into the ring with Micky Steeds for the vacant British cruiserweight title at the Meadowside Leisure Centre, with the 36-year-old West Midlander facing a pivotal moment in the latter stage of his career.

The former WBU world champion has been waiting for his chance as the No 1 contender for those three long years and, with the Sky cameras at close hand, he will get no better chance to restore his reputation.

In his way stands the slugger from the Isle of Dogs over 12 rounds, against a man also looking to restore his reputation after he was outpointed in his last crack at a British title in 2006.

It promises to be a bruising battle and one Norton is ready for.

He said: "Make no bones about it, I am in there with a very tough opponent in Micky. He has fought at a very high level and will come to win. But I have waited too long to get this chance and if I don't take it, when will it come again?

"I was beginning to think I would never get another chance. But I'm not a quitter. I've kept training, earned my chance and now I'm determined to take it."

It seems to be part of the course these days to badmouth an opponent ahead of a big battle, yet Steeds and Norton have been complimentary to each other throughout.

Respect is there - but that will count for nothing on Friday night.

Norton said: "I have a lot of respect for Micky. Both of us want to let our action do the talking on Friday, so why would we need to go around badmouthing each other? I think there is a mutual understanding there and it is refreshing to see.

"I just want to be ready for the fight. I feel superfit, my preparations have been very positive and I am confident that I can win, otherwise I wouldn't be in there."

If the Burton bout ends in success, Norton has an ambition of his own to fulfil, one that could take place in the not-too-distant future.

He said: "It would be a dream to take the belt back home and defend it at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall. That would be great for me to be on home turf, but let me take care of business first and that means winning on Friday."

One man who is confident that Norton will produce the goods is his promoter, Paul 'PJ' Rowson.

He said: "Everybody in the camp has great confidence that Rob can bring the belt to the Black Country. That is why we are called 'First Team Promotions,' because not many of our fighters will finish second best."