Canaries trio show support for Norwich boxer Sam Sexton ahead of British title defence

Boxer Sam Sexton with a knockout punch for Norwich City footballers, Christoph Zimmermann, left, Onel Hernandez, second left, and Louis Thompson, as he trains for his British heavyweight title defence fight. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Norwich boxer Sexton is preparing to defend his title against Hughie Fury at the Macron Stadium in Bolton on May 12 and was being put through his paces at Pro Box Norwich by another of the city's boxing greats.

Former European and British lightweight champion Jon Thaxton was the man with the pads as 33-year-old Sexton continues his preparations for his first defence of his title.

Watching the power of Sexton from ringside were Canaries players Christoph Zimmermann, Onel Hernandez and Louis Thompson.

After chatting with the champ the trio were put to work by trainer Graham Everett and Thaxton, including some light sparring, pad work and hitting the punch bags.

With a game against Leeds on Saturday looming, City's final Carrow Road game of the Championship season, there was only so much the players could do – although all three looked keen to get stuck in.

Sexton's title defence is being screened live on Channel Five, as the British Heavyweight crown is fought for on free-to-air TV for the first time in seven years.

• Watch out for more from all three players in the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News in the coming days, as the Canaries' season winds down and the big fight build-up continues.

Boxer Sam Sexton ready to train with Norwich City footballer Christoph Zimmermann as he prepares for his British heavyweight title defence fight. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Norwich City footballers, Onel Hernandez, left, and Louis Thompson, sparring during boxing training as they support Sam Sexton's bid for his British heavyweight title defence fight. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Onel Hernandez, left, and Louis Thompson, try their hands at boxing. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Boxer Sam Sexton with a knockout punch for Norwich City footballers, Christoph Zimmermann, left, Louis Thompson, centre, and Onel Hernandez, as he trains for his British heavyweight title defence fight. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Norwich City midfielder Louis Thompson trains at Pro Box Norwich as he supports Sam Sexton's British heavyweight title defence. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Boxer Sam Sexton gets his gloves on with help from trainers Jon Thaxton, left, and Graham Everett, ready for his training for his British heavyweight title defence fight. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Boxer Sam Sexton prepares for his training for his British heavyweight title defence fight, with trainer Graham Everett. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Norwich City football club's first team sports scientist, Glyn Lewis, during boxing training. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Sam Sexton's trainer, Graham Everett, during training. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Norwich City footballer Christoph Zimmermann takes a break after sparring during boxing training as he supports Sam Sexton's bid for his British heavyweight title defence fight. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Norwich City footballer Onel Hernandez takes a break after sparring during boxing training as he supports Sam Sexton's bid for his British heavyweight title defence fight. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Norwich City footballer Onel Hernandez spars during boxing training as he supports Sam Sexton's bid for his British heavyweight title defence fight. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Norwich City footballer Christoph Zimmermann spars during boxing training as he supports Sam Sexton's bid for his British heavyweight title defence fight. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)