Brian Norman Jr. is set to return to the ring in May, according to sources close to the fighter.
Previously, Norman lost his title in November via unanimous decision to three-division champion Devin Haney in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Since that defeat, attention has shifted not only to his comeback plans but also to a major change in his corner. His father and longtime coach, Brian Norman Snr, will no longer serve as head trainer. Norman has been seen working with Derrick James and Ronnie Shields, though no official announcement has been made regarding his new trainer.
The 25-year-old from Conyers, Georgia, remains highly ranked - No. 9 with the IBF, No. 4 with the WBO and No. 8 with the WBC. Sources indicate he is aiming to position himself for a potential shot at the winner of Lewis Crocker vs. Liam Paro, where Crocker is due to make the first defense of his IBF welterweight title.
Norman’s rise included a career-defining stoppage of Giovani Santillan in San Diego in May 2024 to win the WBO interim belt. He was elevated to full champion three months later when Terence Crawford moved up to junior middleweight. Norman defended the title twice, including a highlight-reel knockout of Jin Sasaki that ranked among the year’s best finishes.
Watch Norman vs. Sasaki highlights: Watch
Image Credit: Top Rank