The south-coast derby hero’s never laced gloves before - now he’s fighting at a high-profile event in London. Here’s why.
Pompey hero David Norris is preparing himself for a surprise boxing debut - despite having zero experience of the noble art!
The big Fratton favourite is stepping into the ring for the first time later this month, as he collides with former Republic of Ireland international Simon Cox in London.
Pompey hero Norris on boxing switch: ‘I’m not sure what I’ve let myself in for!’
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The south-coast derby hero’s boxing bow forms part of A Night to Remember III, a seven-fight card featuring former professional footballers going head to head for charity on October 22.
Norris will be joined by the likes of former Pompey defender Armand Traore, Nile Ranger, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Leroy Lita at the Grosvenor House Hotel.
The 45-year-old, who now works as a fitness coach, admitted the transition has been a culture shock despite working with boxers in his new career.
Norris said: ‘To be honest, I’m not sure what I’ve let myself in for!
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‘It’s for a good cause though and once I spoke to the organisers and they spoke about the charities we’re raising funds for, I decided to give it a go.
‘I train boxers, I do strength and conditioning for boxers and it’s my job. That said in nine years of doing it I’ve never once laced gloves and been in the ring!
‘I’ve always said I’ve got no interest and it’s just not me - now I’m doing this!
‘I’ve never sparred or done anything before, so it’s all escalated pretty quickly!
‘So I then went and did a couple of sessions with guys who train the boxers I work with - and one of the trainers said afterwards: “Look, I recommend you don’t do it!”.
‘That’s the moment I thought I might be in trouble here!’
Norris’ clash with Cox is renewing a rivalry from the pair’s playing days, even if the memories are a little hazy for the midfielder.
Now the focus is on trying to be as ready as he realistically can be for when the bell sounds for their 3x2min clash.
Norris added: I’ve played against Simon a few times.
‘We’ve played against each other and there was an incident in one game, but I can’t remember it!
‘We had a bit of a head to head and I pushed him in the face, so it’s quite funny that clip has resurfaced now.
‘I’ve done my first spars and had a couple of big bashes now, I was stunned the first couple of times, but I’ve managed to survive.
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‘It’s so far out of my comfort zone and a massive challenge, but I’m learning and enjoying it now.
‘At times I’ve been shocked at how hard it is when you’re gassed, it can be hard to hold your hands up at times let alone throw punches.
‘I thought I was quite fit, but I’m not conditioned to boxing!
‘I’ve had to leave my ego at the door, but slowly I’ve got a little bit better with the sessions. I definitely have a new level of respect for boxers.
‘I’m not sure I’m going to get to a high level, but I think most of us will be at the same stage because we haven’t done it before.
‘So let’s put on a good show and raise some money for good causes.’
There are still sponsorship opportunities available for Norris’ charity fight night, with the show broadcast on YouTube, talkSPORT Boxing and a documentary around the event being screened on Amazon Prime Video. For details contact Norris on X (@DMNorris19) or on Instagram (@davidnorrispt).