BRIAN Norman Jr returns to the ring this Saturday evening when he defends his WBO welterweight strap against Puerto Rican challenger Derrieck Cuevas in Las Vegas. The pair are part of the supporting act to Mikaela Mayer’s rematch with former champion Sandy Ryan, live on ESPN.
“I’m very excited. I feel like a champion is not a champion until that first title defence. I’ve got a wonderful competitor coming against me. So, it’s time to prove that I am the real deal champion,” said Norman, who picked up the Interim version by stopping Giovani Santillan last May.
Now sporting a 26-0 record with 20 KOs, Norman was elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the belt later that year. Norman’s career has been elevated since he signed with Top Rank. Potential future clashes with the likes of Jaron Ennis or Eimantas Stanionis will be off the table if he cannot first get past Cuevas (27-1-1, 19 KOs).
Brian Norman, trained by his father, a former fighter of the same name, is not taking the threat of Cuevas lightly: “He’s a very tough fighter. He’s coming to change his life. This is a championship fight. So, I know how that feels. He’s thinking, ‘All I have to do is win this one fight, and my whole life changes.’
“So, I understand how he’s coming. He’s very strong and powerful. He’s coming to knock my head off. It’s going to be a very good fight, but I don’t think it will be a long one. I’m 1,000 percent ready. I’m ready to go. I’m to fight tomorrow. Sign me up. Where the gloves at? Throw me in there!”
Once big-punching Cuevas is dismissed, the champion will have a legitimate belt to offer to fellow champions as possible unifications loom.
“After this fight, we can get that unification fight. I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere. I’m 24 years old. I’m going to be a welterweight for a smooth minute. Let’s get these fights in,” he added.
