WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. is one of those boxers who have the potential to take over the division given the right opportunities. Fighting under the Top Rank banner, ‘The Assassin II’ has seen rapid success, which has made him a threat to many in the division. However, he wasn’t alone in fueling his quick ascent, where he showcased immense promise.
Brian Norman Sr., both a father and a coach for the WBO title holder, has invested countless hours and an immeasurable amount of energy to help his son get where he is today. With days left in Norman Jr.’s upcoming fight against Puerto Rico’s Derrieck Cuevas, take a deep dive to learn more about the dynamics between this father-and-son duo.
Meet Brian Norman Sr., Norman Jr.’s father and coach
To put it simply, Norman Sr. is more than just a trainer or a father—he is the ultimate support system for Norman Jr.—Senior is the definition of a strong driving force a boxer needs behind them to have a successful boxing career. A former boxer himself, Senior had a boxing career that spanned from 2003 to 2011.
During his time under the bright lights, he faced notable figures like Jean Pascal. Regardless, after suffering a series of losses between 2009 and 2011, Senior walked away from the sport. However, he quickly made a name for himself as a respected coach, dedicating himself to molding his son, Brian Norman Jr., into a world champion.
And the partnership between them is clearly working. Norman Jr. has remained undefeated while capturing the WBO welterweight title and defending it against Giovani Santillan in May 2024. The upcoming fight will be Norman Jr.’s second title defense, and his father and coach will be in his corner for support. However, their relationship seems to go beyond just the ring.
Is Brian Norman Sr. making a return?
The short answer is no! But hold up because Norman Sr. has already made a unique and dramatic comeback, and it’s all thanks to his son. ‘The Assassin II’ recently helped his father/coach prepare for his comeback fight against Greg Hackett after 14 years of inactivity. And guess what? Their endeavor proved successful when 45-year-old Norman Sr. defeated Hackett via unanimous decision.
This was an enduring testament to the relationship between them and the years of work they had put in together. Reflecting on their journey, Norman Jr. shared how they push each other to be better. “It’s been a wonderful journey so far,” Norman Jr. told WBN. “I see a lot of similarities between me and him, mostly the motivation to self-determination and the want to. It’s been a wonderful experience to witness.”
“There has been a couple times when dad was tired and wanted to stop and I’d yell ‘no, two more rounds.’ I must push him, you know? We don’t like losing–we are both very competitive, and I see it in him all day long.”
That said, now you know who the man behind the man is. It’s difficult to say whether Norman Jr. could have made it this far without his father. But it’s clear that without his father, he wouldn’t be the fighter he is today. What do you think about this father-and-son duo?
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