Norton’s Australian Commonwealth defence in doubt

Rob Norton’s Commonwealth cruiserweight title defence against Dominic Vea, scheduled to take place in New South Wales, Australia on 8 May, seems unlikely to go ahead.

Norton’s manager, PJ Rowson, informed BoxRec News today: “Vea lost his last fight against Anthony McCracken. It is our understanding that if a fighter loses to another boxer situated within the Commonwealth he cannot be eligible to challenge for the Commonwealth title in his next fight.”

Vea dropped an eight-round split decision against fellow countryman McCracken on 8 April, a man he had stopped in seven rounds nine months previously.

“Vea’s team believe the fight against Norton should still go ahead because he fought with a broken nose last time which affected his performance and the fact that he has beaten McCracken before. As far as we’re concerned, that’s just tough. Rob has recently broken his little finger in sparring but he’s still prepared to fight but it’s unlikely to be on 8 May. We’re currently awaiting clarification from the Commonwealth Boxing Council on this matter,” said Rowson.

The 38-year-old Norton hung on to his British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles after he was held to a draw by former victim David Dolan in January. Rowson admits that the Stourbridge veteran would dearly love to retain the Lonsdale belt outright before he retires.

“Rob’s been boxing for a long time and he’s been dogged with injuries throughout his career. Securing the Lonsdale belt for keeps would mean so much to him and this is our main priority. We are looking to make a voluntary defence of Rob’s British title which could be against the winner of this Friday’s Prizefighter: The Cruiserweights tournament,” explained Rowson.

Rowson also mentioned that Norton has been mentioned as a possible challenger for Australia’s IBO cruiserweight champion Danny Green.