Brian Norman Jr: ‘I Don’t Think It Will Be a Long One’ vs Derrieck Cuevas

On March 29 at the BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas in the co-feature to Mikaela Mayer vs Sandy Ryan 2, Brian Norman Jr (26-0, 20 KOs) will defend his WBO welterweight title against Puerto Rican challenger Derrieck Cuevas (27-1-1, 19 KOs). Mayer-Ryan II, promoted by Top Rank in association with Matchroom Boxing, and Norman-Cuevas will air live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+. While spending a week in Las Vegas Norman spoke about defending his title, the challenge of Cuevas and hopes for the future.

Brian Norman Jr Excited for First Defence Against Derrieck Cuevas

Brian Norman Jr Confident in Quick Victory Against Derrieck Cuevas

Norman became the interim champ with a career-best performance against Giovani Santillan on May 18, 2024. The Georgia native was subsequently elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford decided to vacate the belt. Cuevas has won his last four fights by stoppage and will come into this fight full of confidence.

Norman, while away in Vegas spoke about his upcoming fight and defending his title: “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.”

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Looking ahead to fight night and the upcoming challenge, Norman said: “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.”

Brian Norman Jr Ready for March 29 and Beyond

Revealing his desire for March 29, Norman said: “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!”

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“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,” said the unbeaten 24-year-old.