On Saturday night, Ice Arena Wales was the venue for Andrew Selby vs Louis Norman, in a contest for the vacant BBBofC British flyweight title. Selby, 27, of Barry, South Wales was having only his fifth professional contest following a highly decorated amateur. Louis Norman, 22, of Shepshed, Leicestershire had held the English flyweight title but was entering the contest as the underdog despite being a professional since 2012.
The contest was fast paced with both men showing great reflexes to evade shots. In the second Selby showed his power as he connected at several points. Norman’s plan was to stay on the outside, move and counter but Selby is so quick that he is hard to evade. Both boxers started in the orthodox stance but continually switched stance with ease.
The fight was at times a chess match, one played at high-speed, and a joy to watch the pair try to outstrike and outwit the other. Norman gave a fantastic account of himself but Selby was always in control.
As the fight grew, Selby turned on the style and skills and caught Norman at several points. The boxer from Shepshed sported a grimacing smile, at times, as he never quite had the answers or reflexes to stop Selby in his tracks. The Welshman never stopped hunting his foe.
Andrew Selby is perpetual motion, he never stops. As the rounds passed he was hunting down his opponent, who did well to not be on the end of too many sustained attacks.
It was a pleasure watching the two, go the full twelve rounds, and while there was a clear winner and scores heavily in the Welshman’s favour – Louis Norman made a contest of it and the youngster still has a bright future ahead of him.
Andrew Selby captivated the crowd who saw a brilliant display. More titles lie ahead, though it looks like he will look to defend the British title twice, so that he can claim the Lonsdale belt for keeps.
The official scores from the judges were: Phil Edwards 119-110, Howard John Foster 120-109 and Robert Williams 120-109, all in favour of Andrew Selby, the new British Flyweight champion.
Andrew Selby is now 5-0, 3 KOs while Louis Norman’s record falls to 11-2-1, 2 KOs.
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