[kenyan_cheena]

...Within moments, a considerable portion of the audience started booing, angered that what they had expected and hoped would be a six round dominant display was suddenly over. However, those in the know (and there were plenty of them) stood and applauded, thrilled that their man, their champion, had achieved victory with next to no trouble.

Norton himself had a smile showing from ear-to-ear, and his words in the post-fight interview confirmed his contented disposition.

"I don't think we could have asked for a better outcome," he said. "You know, I really trained hard for this fight, and I didn't expend too much energy in getting the win. So it's all good, I gotta say."

ESPN's Bill Farris asked Norton what he thought about the fight being stopped so quickly.

"Well, I don't wanna sound like a braggart, but that was a helluva right hand I tagged him with," Norton replied. "I didn't get a good look at the cut, but if the doctor thought it should be stopped, who am I to complain, man? Seriously, I don't think it would have lasted much longer, anyway."

Norton went on to acknowledge the "incredible support and warm wishes" that the people of San Diego had given him in the lead up to tonight's event.

"I wanted to give all of you a great show tonight," he said. "I must admit, I was more nervous before this fight than the first two, because fighting here at home is just a real thrill and I was worried that I'd get stage fright or something, I guess. But I'm just relieved that it worked out so nicely."

Five minutes later, Norton was on his way back to the dressing room, the applause and chants of his people carrying him the entire way...

(Up next: all the action from the San Diego undercard)