THE manager of Stourbridge cruiserweight Rob Norton says he still believes the fighter would rather defend his British title than fight in Australia.

Last week it was revealed Norton was likely to vacate his Commonwealth title by rejecting a mandatory defence against Dominic Vea after the purse bids were won by the Australian’s promoter Core Promotions.

Vea’s manager, Justin Clenshaw, is keen for the fight to take place and Core have offered Norton’s camp a far better travel and accommodation deal than originally thought.

But the Stour fighter’s manager, PJ Rowson, believes Norton would rather defend the British title in his next fight.

Rowson said: “I have spoken to the Australian promoter and they want me to ratify the situation as soon as possible, which I will do.

“They are good guys and have offered travel to Rob and two others and have said they will be very flexible on the accommodation - but I still don’t think it will happen.

“Rob is eager to have a voluntary defence of his British title, he has defended it twice and a third defence would mean he kept a version of the belt.

“To a British fighter the Lonsdale belt is very important and that is what Rob wants more than anything.”

Last week Rowson claimed Core had failed to contact him and described a reported offer of five days accomodation for two people as “unrealistic.”

Those claims were quickly refuted by Clenshaw, a representative of Core, who confirmed they would give consideration to any request from Norton.

In an email to the News last Friday, Clenshaw said: “Any indication we have failed to approach Mr Norton’s camp is incorrect.

“We have been trying to make this fight since August 2009, making three offers and then winning the purse bid.

“We are more than happy to give consideration to a request for Mr Norton to travel to Australia earlier than five days before the fight.”

Mr Clenshaw added: “We have a significant financial investment in this fight which includes a television deal with FoxSports in Australia.

“Any indication from Mr Norton’s camp that we are being less than accommodating is laughable.

“It is our opinion that Mr Norton will give up his title rather than fight Dominic Vea.”