Robert Norton (born 20 January 1972) is a British former professional boxer who competed from 1993 to 2011. He held the British and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles between 2008 and 2011. Once beaten by Pat Mallen Early career Norton started his professional career in September 1993, with a 2nd round win over Stuart Fleet in Walsall. By April 1997 he had compiled an unbeaten record of 17 wins against no defeats and only one draw (against Chris Woollas) and had earned a shot at the Commonwealth cruiserweight title. He travelled to Northern Ireland to challenge holder Darren Corbett in December 1997 and lasted the full 12 rounds in what was to be an unsuccessful attempt. The defeat to Corbett was to be his first as a professional. WBU Champion Norton bounced back from his first career defeat to register two back to back wins before lining himself up for a shot at the World Boxing Union's version of the cruiserweight title. He challenged the reigning champion South African Jacob Mofokeng and registered a majority decision over 12 rounds to lift his first career title. The reign would not last for long however as a challenge by another South African fighter Sebastiaan Rothmann, in his first defence ended in a new champion and a second career defeat for the man from the Midlands after the fight was stopped in the 8th round. British and Commonwealth title challenger In response to losing the title Norton took a year out and returned in September 2000 with a win over journeyman Tony Booth. Three more victories followed against Darron Griffiths, Lee Swaby and Paul Bonson before lining himself up for a second tilt at the commonwealth cruiserweight title against current champion Mark Hobson. Also up for grabs during the fight in September 2003 was the vacant British title. However, when Norton tried to challenge at championship level he came up short and Hobson won the fight with a unanimous decision over the full 12 rounds. Route back to contention Following the Hobson defeat, Norton returned to the ring in April 2004 with a win over journeyman Greg Scott-Briggs. A victory over former opponent Chris Woollas followed before in December 2004 he met experienced Paul Bonson for the second time in a challenge for the British Masters cruiserweight title. Norton claimed his second career title after stopping Bonson in the 6th round. One fight only in