Huddersfield's Mark Hobson and Rob Norton of Stourbridge clash for the vacant British cruiserweight title in Sheffield this Friday in a fight propelled to main event status after the scheduled headliner between Clinton Woods and Glencoffe Johnson fell through.
Hobson, the reigning Commonwealth cruiserweight champion, will also be putting that title on the line.
Hobson won the Commonwealth crown with a ridiculously easy fourth round stoppage of Uganda's Abdul Kadou in January - and will find it tougher against former WBU champ Norton, who won a long battle to regain his boxing licence after failing a brain scan two years ago. Norton has fought only once since: a six-round points win over tough Paul Bonson last November.
Hobson, ironically, also enters the fight with a lack of rounds behind him. He's blown away his last three opponents - all of them imports, including a second-round stoppage of Belarussian Muslim Biarslanov in his last fight and that fourth round stoppage of the 41-year-old Kadou, who, frankly, shouldn't have been in the same ring. Hobson's last meaningful fight is a solid 10-round decision over Lee Swaby in 2002 in in a British title eliminator. Swaby, you may recall, is the only man to have beaten current WBU cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccarinelli.
Norton also holds a decision over Swaby, in an eight-rounder in 2001, and at 31 boasts far more experience than 27-year-old Hobson. The Dudley man turned pro in 1993 and went unbeaten in his first 17 fights before Darren Corbett pipped him for the Commonwealth cruiserweight crown in Belfast - a place Corbett has knocked over many a good man in.
A couple of wins later, Norton was challenging South Africa's Jacob Mofokeng for the WBU cruiserweight title on local turf in Birmingham and boxed smartly to win a close 12-round decision.
The new champion only reigned five months when Sebastian Rothmann reclaimed the title for South Africa with an eighth round kayo following an uncharacteristically tame display from Norton, who later claimed he was suffering from glandular fever. The strong and talented Rothmann also proved too much for Hobson in a subsequent defence - winning after nine bloody rounds when Hobson was pulled out by his corner. The challenger had been down in the third.
After losing the title, Norton bounced back with three straight wins and was lined up to fight Hackney's Bruce Scott in late 2001 when he failed the routine brain scan. He successfully appealed. "Regaining my license is the biggest fight I've won in my career," he said recently. "I got to the stage where I thought nothing could be done but then I kept thinking I'd never been knocked down or had headaches and was determined to fight on. It's frustrating I was prevented from fighting for so long for nothing but I'm just happy to have my license back.
"It's been incredibly stressful but I'm thankful for the people who have stuck by me."
He will find himself in an unusual position against the 6'5" Hobson - fighting someone who is taller than him. Norton towered over the likes of Corbett and Mofokeng and that, combined with his southpaw style, gave him a big advantage. This time Hobson will have the physical edge, though it remains to be seen how he copes with a slick and quick southpaw. Currently on a winning run of six, Hobson has lost only to Mark Levy, Rothmann and on a cut eye to Germany's Firat Arslan in his 24 fights. He was also cut in the Rothmann fight and there's a possiblity Norton's sharp punches could cause further facial damage.
But with the majority of the crowd behind him, Hobson, who seems to be punching harder nowadays and has always been a talented boxer, will be awfully hard to deny. The Swaby and Rothmann comparisons indicate a close fight, but styles make fights. Hobson is younger, fresher, taller, and has been more active. Norton has mileage left in him, but just one fight - a six-rounder - since February 2001 is a real sticking point. Sky-TV expert, Jim Watt, is always quick to highlight how inactivity affects stamina. Only last June we saw former British and Commonwealth cruiserweight champion Bruce Scott return from two years inactivity against Enzo Maccarinelli and, after a bright start, fade, and then get nailed. I don't think this one will end in such a spectacular knockout, either way, but I do believe the more active fighter of late, Hobson, will get on top as the fight progresses.
In the end, it could boil down to who wants it most. Norton has won a WBU title and had his day in the sun. Hobson has yet to bask there. That could make all the difference.
Mark Hobson takes on Rob Norton: a preview
Mark Hobson takes on Rob Norton: a preview
Last edited by bennie on 01 Sep 2003, 18:30, edited 6 times in total.
You know, Stu, by the end of the preview I was thinking along the same lines. Hobson is a bit pedestrian. Norton has that bit of sharpness about him. But jumping into a 12-rounder after his recent inactivity, is asking a lot of Norton.stujones wrote:I like Norton's chances in this one to be honest. I just think he has the extra quality.
Never thought much of Hobson myself, just lacks that spark.
-
The REAL McCoy
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 280
- Joined: 30 Aug 2003, 15:54
I agree my fellow Celt,The REAL McCoy wrote:McCoy thought that Norton beat Corbett a while back, & thinks he will beat Hobson on Friday night
But he wouldnt put money on it
Remember, McCoy is a scotsman
BTW I will be moving to Trefforst, Pontypridd soon - doing a PHD in Cardiff.
You, being who your icon is, should know where this is. I've often had a jar of ale in "Toms" the legends old local, now re-opened.
-
The REAL McCoy
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 280
- Joined: 30 Aug 2003, 15:54
Aah, Tom Jones, McCoys favourite subject(apart from himself)stujones wrote:I agree my fellow Celt,The REAL McCoy wrote:McCoy thought that Norton beat Corbett a while back, & thinks he will beat Hobson on Friday night
But he wouldnt put money on it
Remember, McCoy is a scotsman
BTW I will be moving to Trefforst, Pontypridd soon - doing a PHD in Cardiff.
You, being who your icon is, should know where this is. I've often had a jar of ale in "Toms" the legends old local, now re-opened.
Have you met 'the voice' yourself?
McCoy did a while back, he was a top bloke, he even said:-
"The similarities between me & your good self are there, but I wish I was half as good looking as yourself McCoy"
And McCoy said:-
"Thats not unusual"
McCoy hasnt been in Toms pub before, but would like to, hopefully we will meet up, & we can talk boxing, get a couple of chicks(There should be no problem there, with McCoys face & your money) & get drunk on StuJones credit card(remember McCoy is still a scotsman
)Stu, did you ever post on eastside?
Couldn't agree more...stujones wrote:I like Norton's chances in this one to be honest. I just think he has the extra quality.
Never thought much of Hobson myself, just lacks that spark.
When Hobson fought in my back yard a couple months back, he looked poor... He was fighting a blown up African Middleweight for the Commonwealth belt...
He looked nothing and failed to put him away for a few rounds...
Norton will win IMO
Well done guys who went for Hobson.
Dissapointd in Norton last night, he seemed content to try an land a haymaker. His work rate was poor, perhaps if he had better prepaeration the fight may have been closer (as his close friend Richie Woodhall was saying - and he didn't say "without a shadow of a doubt" last night).
Hobson showed guts, composure and very good power. He seemed to be hurting Norton everytime he was catching him, and lets not forget Norton took everything that Corbett dished out. He may be on the slide, but he's only 31 surely his punch resistance aint gone yet. Hobson looked like a banger.
Having said that, both fighters were sloppy last night, it was a messy fight with a lot of wild misses (from both guys). While my initial assessment of Hobson was wrong, still don't think he'll get to European level. The cut was bad, but I don't think it was close to be stopped - he showed great compsure with that cut, not once did he rub it - which was excellent.
I was quite impressed with Carl Thomspon yesterday, I know his opponent wasn't much, but I was half expecting him to be shuffling around the ring ala Ayers. His movement looked as good as in his championship days. Don't think he'll ever win a World title again (big 4 that is), but still think he has enough to frighten the domestic boys. People, on other boards, have been concerned with his speech, but he seemed fine yesterday - with that bottom tooth missing his lisp (which he always had) is bound to be exagerrated.
Hobson vs Thompson, that will be a real ding dong affair.
Dissapointd in Norton last night, he seemed content to try an land a haymaker. His work rate was poor, perhaps if he had better prepaeration the fight may have been closer (as his close friend Richie Woodhall was saying - and he didn't say "without a shadow of a doubt" last night).
Hobson showed guts, composure and very good power. He seemed to be hurting Norton everytime he was catching him, and lets not forget Norton took everything that Corbett dished out. He may be on the slide, but he's only 31 surely his punch resistance aint gone yet. Hobson looked like a banger.
Having said that, both fighters were sloppy last night, it was a messy fight with a lot of wild misses (from both guys). While my initial assessment of Hobson was wrong, still don't think he'll get to European level. The cut was bad, but I don't think it was close to be stopped - he showed great compsure with that cut, not once did he rub it - which was excellent.
I was quite impressed with Carl Thomspon yesterday, I know his opponent wasn't much, but I was half expecting him to be shuffling around the ring ala Ayers. His movement looked as good as in his championship days. Don't think he'll ever win a World title again (big 4 that is), but still think he has enough to frighten the domestic boys. People, on other boards, have been concerned with his speech, but he seemed fine yesterday - with that bottom tooth missing his lisp (which he always had) is bound to be exagerrated.
Hobson vs Thompson, that will be a real ding dong affair.
-
Guest
- Heavyweight
Hobson wanted it more than Norton. I actually think Mark was more hurt in the fifth than what Norton was in each of the two knockdowns. He didn't take that many shots but was quite badly marked up at the finish.
Did anyone see what happened with the cut inspection in round 8?? It looked to me sat at ringside that referee Marcus Mcdonnell was going to stop the fight until Hobson's trainer Chris Aston pleaded with him not to do so.
A stoppage loss would have been tough on Hobson. If fairness he finished the fight on top and I had him a winner by 7 points. The British title is now back with SKY television which may hinder the chances of matches like Hobson-Thompson, and Hobson-Swaby in the immediate future. I expect Hobson to defend his Commonwealth crown in the meantime.
One person who won't be fighting Hobson next is Denzil Browne. Browne was outpointed by Tony Dowling on the undercard in a superb scrap. I have to say Browne was very unlucky not to get the decision but referee Howard Foster gave it Dowling.
I couldn't comprehend this personnally.
Did anyone see what happened with the cut inspection in round 8?? It looked to me sat at ringside that referee Marcus Mcdonnell was going to stop the fight until Hobson's trainer Chris Aston pleaded with him not to do so.
A stoppage loss would have been tough on Hobson. If fairness he finished the fight on top and I had him a winner by 7 points. The British title is now back with SKY television which may hinder the chances of matches like Hobson-Thompson, and Hobson-Swaby in the immediate future. I expect Hobson to defend his Commonwealth crown in the meantime.
One person who won't be fighting Hobson next is Denzil Browne. Browne was outpointed by Tony Dowling on the undercard in a superb scrap. I have to say Browne was very unlucky not to get the decision but referee Howard Foster gave it Dowling.
I couldn't comprehend this personnally.
Lightsoot,
I'm no expert on fighting contracts but as Hobson got a deal with a specific promotiona/tvl firm or is he unattached.
I'm saying this because Scott Gammar has fought on Sky, BBC Wales and ITV Wales since he turned pro. Maybe Hobson has got one of those deals.
Why was Hobson vs Norton on this bill, I know that the headline was supposed to Woods vs Johnson (shown on BBC), but why cannot similar arrangement that took place for his bout with Norton be arranged for Thompson/Swaby.
After all Hobson was the "main" fighter and a title holder in this bout.
I'm no expert on fighting contracts but as Hobson got a deal with a specific promotiona/tvl firm or is he unattached.
I'm saying this because Scott Gammar has fought on Sky, BBC Wales and ITV Wales since he turned pro. Maybe Hobson has got one of those deals.
Why was Hobson vs Norton on this bill, I know that the headline was supposed to Woods vs Johnson (shown on BBC), but why cannot similar arrangement that took place for his bout with Norton be arranged for Thompson/Swaby.
After all Hobson was the "main" fighter and a title holder in this bout.
Jim Neilly and Duke McKenzie said that McDonnell was about to stop it, but then there was that sudden change of mind you mentioned. I thought nothing of it at the time because the BBC commentary was once again awful. Duke Mckenzie even said that Hobson has never had to worry about cuts before - when he was stopped on cuts by a German a few fights ago and was also cut and marked up in the Rothmann fight. I did think myself that McDonnell was making an issue of the cut and was about to stop it in the eighth.lightsoot wrote:Did anyone see what happened with the cut inspection in round 8?? It looked to me sat at ringside that referee Marcus Mcdonnell was going to stop the fight until Hobson's trainer Chris Aston pleaded with him not to do so.
The funny thing was how the cut was caused. Norton stuck the nut in, then looked at Hobson as if to say "sorry about that, but it had to be done," and Hobson just looked away disappointedly. It was comical in the slow motion they showed of it.
This is the 1st time I've been on this forum (my son is Tea) and you lot suck.If u need advice in future listen to my son. Hobson different league to rest of cruisers,time will tell.Hare will go onto BIG things,Robinson could beat Kelly,Culshaw,or Booth NOW. Anyone doubt me?
Chris Aston.......Trainer Hobson,Hare,Robinson.
Chris Aston.......Trainer Hobson,Hare,Robinson.
-
Guest
- Heavyweight
I'm not sure what I find more baffling, Chris (if it is you). Your claims about your fighters, or that we all "suck". Congratulations to Mark, James and yourself for producing two super performances.tea wrote:This is the 1st time I've been on this forum (my son is Tea) and you lot suck.If u need advice in future listen to my son. Hobson different league to rest of cruisers,time will tell.Hare will go onto BIG things,Robinson could beat Kelly,Culshaw,or Booth NOW. Anyone doubt me?
Chris Aston.......Trainer Hobson,Hare,Robinson.
I saw you fight and have just had a quick look at your pro record.tea wrote:This is the 1st time I've been on this forum (my son is Tea) and you lot suck.If u need advice in future listen to my son. Hobson different league to rest of cruisers,time will tell.Hare will go onto BIG things,Robinson could beat Kelly,Culshaw,or Booth NOW. Anyone doubt me?
Chris Aston.......Trainer Hobson,Hare,Robinson.
And you say we suck!
"Hare will go onto big things" - Yeah I can see that, especially if Mayorga/Forrest move up. I would confidently think Hare could beat a Damnguard and maybe even Magarito. If you can get Damnguard for a vacant title, then I think Britain will be celebrating a new geniune world champion.
"Robinson could beat Kelly/Culshaw/Booth". Booth certainly, have to watch more of him before I make the assessment over the other two. I am a big fan of Kelly (who's a match for anyone at world level), Culshaw may be starting to slide. I need to see more of Robinson though.
"Hobson is leagues above the rest of the cruiser". I take it you mean domestic cruisers, I would tip him to beat Enzo, the rest would be a hard call. I still think (and you may go ballistic at me given the problems you've had with him) that Bruce Scott vs Hobson would be a very good contest. I believe (perhaps I'm wrong) that Macrenneli hits harder than your guy, and it was Enzo's power that polelaxed Scott. Has Hobson the power to do the same damage? As you said time will tell. I'm pretty sure that the Enzo defeat will have taken something out of Scott and Hobson would capitilise on that, but I wouldn't write off Scott all together.
Mark seems like a great lad so I wish him all the best, hope he proves me wrong about his ability to compete at European Level.
"Robinson could beat Kelly/Culshaw/Booth". Booth certainly, have to watch more of him before I make the assessment over the other two. I am a big fan of Kelly (who's a match for anyone at world level), Culshaw may be starting to slide. I need to see more of Robinson though.
"Hobson is leagues above the rest of the cruiser". I take it you mean domestic cruisers, I would tip him to beat Enzo, the rest would be a hard call. I still think (and you may go ballistic at me given the problems you've had with him) that Bruce Scott vs Hobson would be a very good contest. I believe (perhaps I'm wrong) that Macrenneli hits harder than your guy, and it was Enzo's power that polelaxed Scott. Has Hobson the power to do the same damage? As you said time will tell. I'm pretty sure that the Enzo defeat will have taken something out of Scott and Hobson would capitilise on that, but I wouldn't write off Scott all together.
Mark seems like a great lad so I wish him all the best, hope he proves me wrong about his ability to compete at European Level.
Lol, what a clown.tea wrote:This is the 1st time I've been on this forum (my son is Tea) and you lot suck.If u need advice in future listen to my son. Hobson different league to rest of cruisers,time will tell.Hare will go onto BIG things,Robinson could beat Kelly,Culshaw,or Booth NOW. Anyone doubt me?
Chris Aston.......Trainer Hobson,Hare,Robinson.