Brian Norman Jr.: “It Won’t Be a Long Fight!”
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 21 Mar 2025
Norman will defend his WBO welterweight world title against Derrieck Cuevas on Saturday, March 29, at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas LIVE on ESPN
LAS VEGAS (March 20, 2025) — Brian Norman Jr. says a champ isn’t a champ until he defends his belt, and he’s ready to do just that.
Norman will put his WBO welterweight world title on the line against Puerto Rican challenger Derrieck Cuevas on Saturday, March 29, at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
Norman-Cuevas will be the co-feature to the rematch between WBO female welterweight world champion Mikaela Mayer and former titleholder Sandy Ryan.
Mayer-Ryan II and Norman-Cuevas will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Matchroom Boxing, tickets are on sale via https://www.fontainebleaulasvegas.com/entertainment/top-rank-boxing/.
Norman (26-0, 20 KOs) captured the interim title with a 10th-round knockout over previously unbeaten Giovani Santillan last May. He was elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the belt later that year. The win capped a breakout run for the Atlanta native, who signed with Top Rank in 2023 and notched three victories that year. Cuevas (27-1-1, 19 KOs) enters the biggest challenge of his career riding a four-fight knockout streak, including a sixth-round TKO against Marlon Aguas in December 2023.
While spending a week in Las Vegas for sparring, away from his Georgia training camp, this is what Norman had to say:
“I’m very excited. I feel like a champion is not a champion until that first title defense. I’ve got a wonderful competitor coming against me. So, it’s time to prove that I am the real deal champion.”
“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 see {being a champion} as a good thing because I’m still a hunter. I’m hunting for knowledge. I’m hunting for experience. And I’m hunting for more skills. I want to see how far I can go.”
“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!”
"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.”
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
"When one goes to war we all go to war!" – Owen Corrigan challenges Mad Dog Micah Rivetti for Light Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Crocs FC wins 3 titles in Football sa Bayan
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Chess Kings Ready to Battle in Pacquiao 3x3 Chess Team Tournament at Lica Malls 500 Shaw
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Manguyab to debut in RFL
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Simsri Crushes Mendoza, Retains IBF 108-lbs Title; Could A Filipino Challenger Fight Simsri Next? (Analysis)
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Manny Pacquiao and Jas Mathur via Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announce Nine-Figure Team Boxing League Partnership, Launching Manny Pacquiao’s San Diego TJ’s Franchise
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Pabular loses by a split decision
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026DFBC dominates in Invitational Doubles
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 Apr 2026Santisima Faces Undefeated Grigoryan for IBF Asia Title in Russia
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Jenn Perella excited to be fighting in front of family & friends on ‘Rumble at the Rink II’
Tue, 14 Apr 2026Angel Barrientes Training Camp Notes
Mon, 13 Apr 2026DFBC sweeps Dubai Filipino bowlfest
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 13 Apr 2026Middleweight Contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. Dominates Omar Huerta in Main Event at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City & Live on ProBoxTV
Mon, 13 Apr 2026Sergio Martinez returns with a victory at 51
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 13 Apr 2026Team USA Secures Three Gold Medals on Final Day of 2026 Gee Bee Boxing Tournament
Mon, 13 Apr 2026