Dylan is primed and ready for a ring war

Dylan Norman is all smiles at yesterday’s press conference

THE smart money is being placed on local lad Dylan Norman winning Tommy Owens’ Top Boxer tournament, staged at Solihull’s Planet Ice on September 9.

The Knowle 23-year-old – a thoroughly likeable individual away from the ring – is riding high after notching-up four straight wins, all on points.

Trained by Wayne Elcock, he’s an aggressive box fighter who burns with ambition.

He’s not fazed by the favourite tag.

Dylan told me at yesterday’s Planet Ice press conference for the big bill: “Wayne said, ‘to be a favourite you’ve got to show why you’re a favourite’. I always look at myself as the underdog, always prepare like the underdog.

“I’m looking to put on a big show, I don’t shy away from a war. I’m ready to go out there and show what I’m about.

“I’ve done around 100 ticket sales, I have the whole of Solihull supporting me and I want to put a smile on their faces. A lot of youngsters follow my career and I want to show them I’m a good role-model.”

Dylan, backed by Glasstower Jewellery and Slot Masters, told the crowd: “I’m in this game to be remembered and the only way to be remembered is to take risks.

“It’s going to be a war and the one thing I don’t back away from is a war.”

Whoever gets drawn against Norman is in for a tough night.