Brian Norman jr made his return to the ring against Josh “The Boss” Wagner in the co-main event of the Keyshawn Davis vs Nahir Albright card in Norfolk,Virginia and he reminded the entire 147lbs division that he’s one of the most devastating punchers in the stacked welterweight division.
There was a bit of drama at the scales with Norman coming in over the weight limit by 0.2lbs but that did nothing to sour or deter the fight as a very game and live Wagner stepped into the ring against the former WBO champion. The fight started with both fighters trading very quick and heavy jabs but Norman had the speed advantage over Wagner and was having more success in landing his very sharp high speed jabs and using his footwork to make sure Wagner couldn’t run from him.
In the second round he unleashed his left hook that shook Wagner to his core before pushing him to the corner and battering him till he couldn’t stand any longer. The referee gave Wagner more consideration than was necessary because he definitely did not beat that 10 count. Which only enabled Norman to dish out more punishment and send Wagner to the canvas again.
In a moment that had everyone confused including Brian Norman jr, the referee halts the 10 count and calls the ring side doctor to inspect the damage on Wagner. That should have been a clear enough reason to call a stop to the contest immediately but it really only delayed the inevitable.
It was the kind of performance we expected from a former champion coming off his first loss to the current WBO champion Devin Haney and it let’s everyone see there is still a dangerous contender lurking around the belts.
The switch to Ronnie Shields from being trained by his father has done wonders for Brian Norman jr as came across very polished with a sharper jab to hide his more dangerous and heavier punches. Greater traps and techniques were displayed in the short time he and Wagner were in the ring. Norman did express discontent with how brief the contest was as he was looking to display more tools he had picked up with Ronnie Shields, but I guess we will have to wait till his next contestN.
Norman has stated interest in fighting Ryan Garcia, Rolly Romero and getting revenge on Devin Haney after their last fight. There’s no shortage of great fights to be made in that division.
One thing remains certain, the Assassin is back and more dangerous than ever.
