Steeds faces biggest fight

Steeds said: “She’s due on the day of the fight. I just hope I don’t go to my corner at the end of the fifth round and get told she’s gone into labour – that might just put me off.
“But I’m fully focused on the fight and, even though Norton is a dangerous opponent, I think I’ll win. Then I’ll have a ‘Triple B’ celebration – birthday, baby and belt.”

Life is looking good for Steeds, who turned 25 on September 14, and he hopes to make his fans proud of him next week.

Even though he and his family now live in Essex he regularly trains at Canary Wharf’s Reebok Gym and the Peacock Gym in Canning Town, and he still thinks of the Isle of Dogs as home. The former Langdon Park school pupil explained why he took up boxing.

“I was rubbish at football,” he said. “But I started boxing and found I was alright. Then I met Mickey Hughes, who fought for the Commonwealth welterweight title against Lloyd Honeyghan, and he inspired me. He was my first trainer and I learned a lot from him.”

Steeds moved on to work under John Rooney before teaming up with Mark Roe just under two years ago.

Roe persuaded Steeds to drop down from heavyweight to cruiserweight and the boxer feels better for the move.

“I feel stronger and fitter than ever before,” said Steeds. “Mark and I have gelled and he’s taught me a lot. I used to just want to get into the ring and have a tear-up but now I get in there to box.”

Steeds has had one previous crack at a British title, facing Welshman Scott Gammer for the heavyweight crown in 2006. He lost that fight and Steeds admitted it was a bout he should have missed.

He said: “I was carrying an injury and wasn’t really ready for it. But when you get the chance to fight for a belt you just want to go for it.”

There’s no danger of Steeds not being prepared for this fight.

He said: “I’m fully fit now and I’m raring to go. Norton will be worrying about me. He’s good but at 36 his best years are behind him. I’m ready.”

Roe believes his man is right to be confident, and hopes his title dream becomes a reality next week.

He said: “Micky’s at his natural weight now and he’s got every chance of going all the way because his power’s better.
“He’s been working hard in the gym, done some very good sparring and will be 100 per cent ready for Norton.
“We’re not underestimating Norton, who’s a southpaw and a dangerous puncher, but we’ve been sparring with a local southpaw, Wadi Camacho, at the Peacock and Micky’s ready to go.”

Steeds’ fight with Norton will be at the Meadowside Leisure Centre, Burton-on-Trent, on Friday, October 3. Live coverage on Sky Sports.