Norman’s return ends in a fourth round stoppage
SHEPSHED fighter Louis Norman was in a philosophical mood following his fourthround stoppage defeat to the unbeaten prospect Shabaz Masoud last Friday night in Bolton.
He said: “Shabaz caught me with a shot during the second round which perforated my ear drum. It was always going to be tough from there and that’s why I was banging the floor in frustration at the end of the fight.”
Norman battled away in the early stages of the contest and showed little sign of ‘ring rust’ as he managed to get his shots in, against a confident opponent.
He perhaps edged the first round and Masoud the second, but the fight turned on a fantastic left/right combination which resulted in the Shepshed fighter taking an eight count towards the end of the third.
Sensing blood Masoud went for the kill and put Norman down twice in the fourth round, leaving Norman banging his fist against the floor in frustration, but his Dad/ trainer (Shaun Norman) had seen enough throwing in the towel.
There is good chance referee Mark Lyson would have stopped the contest anyway to save Norman from further punishment.
Norman’s manager Carl Greaves said: “I’ve got full respect for any of my fighters, who are prepared to fight in the ‘away corner’ on these ‘behind closed doors’ shows. Louis has faced up to his personal demons out of the ring and just by getting in there, he should be proud of what he has achieved.
“If he keeps working hard as he has done, the wins will come for him. He’s boxed at the top levels domestically and I see no reason why he can’t get back in there with the top lads,” he added.
Norman said: “I’d like to thank everybody has supported on this journey especially my dad, who has been there all the way and dedicates his life to it as much as I do. I’m still alive, sore ear, and body is feeling it from all the training, but life goes on, I’m having two days off then back ticking over, just like depression, you get put down but just get back up, and carry on.”