Boxing: Hobson eyes quick third defence

Jun 15 2004 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HUDDERSFIELD'S cruiserweight king Mark Hobson is aiming to be in permanent possession of a Lonsdale belt by the end of next month.

The 28-year-old has already made two successful defences of the British crown he won on points against experienced Midlander Rob Norton in Sheffield last September - and one more will give him lifetime ownership of the prestigious prize.

First Liverpool's Tony Moran was beaten inside four rounds at Huddersfield Sports Centre in March, then Lincoln's Lee Swaby was impressively seen off in six at the same venue last month.

Now hard-working Hobson, who has nine successive wins to his credit, wants a final voluntary defence before calling it a season.

"I want another fight before the summer break," said Hobson, who has 23 wins in 27 bouts overall.

"I think (promoter) Tommy Gilmour is looking at a mid-July date and I've told him I'll fight anyone in the country.

"I want to win the title outright and I'm in a hurry to do it.

"I'm punching harder than ever so whoever Tommy gets for me had better be ready."

If it happens, the bout is likely to be the final British cruiserweight title match to be contested at 13st 8lb.

The British Boxing Board of Control has voted to fall in line with the world sanctioning bodies and raise the upper limit of the division by 10lb, to 14st 4lb.

"That suits me," added Hobson. "I'm 6ft 5in tall and I'll be even stronger at the new weight."

* The World Boxing Council has been forced into liquidation after losing a £17m legal battle against former light-heavyweight champion Graciano Rocchigiani.

WBC president Jose Sulaiman said it was "impossible" to pay up.