Brian “The Assassin II” Norman Jr., the unbeaten WBO welterweight world champion, has signed a new multi-year contract extension with Top Rank. The deal secures the 24-year-old’s future with one of boxing’s most influential promoters just months before his third defense of the title against Devin “The Dream” Haney on Nov. 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Top Rank confirmed the extension on Tuesday, underlining the company’s long-term investment in Norman, who has already become one of the division’s most talked-about young champions. The Decatur, Georgia native carries a record of 28-0 with 22 knockouts and a growing reputation for power, resilience, and composure under pressure.
Arum Backs Norman as Future Pound-for-Pound Star
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum compared Norman to some of the great welterweights he has guided across decades of promoting. “When I watch Brian Norman Jr., I think of all the legendary welterweights I’ve promoted,” Arum said. “He has the physical tools and maturity required to become a generational fighter. We are thrilled to be part of the next phase of Brian’s career, which I believe will see him ascend from world champion to the top of the pound-for-pound list.”
Norman himself stressed the importance of staying loyal to the promotional stable that believed in him from the beginning. “I believe in loyalty,” Norman said. “Top Rank believed in me from the start, and I’m proud to keep building with the home team. We’re only getting started.”
Norman’s Rise from Mexico to Riyadh
Norman’s professional path was anything but conventional. He turned pro at 17 and fought 13 times in Mexico before breaking through in the U.S. He signed with Top Rank in late 2022 as a 22-0 prospect and quickly delivered. In May 2024, he traveled to San Diego and stopped Giovani Santillan in the 10th round, a victory that earned him the interim WBO strap. He was later elevated to full champion when Terence Crawford vacated.
Management credits his development to a collective effort. “It has been a total team effort to get Brian Norman Jr. to where he is today,” said Adrian Clark, CEO of Fighters First Management. “I must credit Brian Norman Sr., Jolene Mizzone, and the Hall of Fame matchmakers, Brad Goodman and Bruce Trampler. We are excited to continue our partnership with Top Rank.”
After hand surgery sidelined him for the second half of 2024, Norman returned this year with force. He blasted out Derrieck Cuevas in March and then delivered a devastating knockout of Jin Sasaki in June, a left hook that left the Japanese contender unconscious and immediately entered knockout-of-the-year conversations.
Norman now faces his toughest test yet in Devin Haney, the multi-division star moving up to challenge him in Riyadh. With an unbeaten record, a secure promotional future, and momentum behind him, Norman enters the November fight as one of boxing’s most intriguing young champions.
This dude fought in Mexico for years and now people act like he’s unbeatable? That’s not how boxing works. He beat some guys but now it’s different level with Haney.
‘Exactly bro! Fighting in Mexico is way different than fighting top dogs in the U.S or big names like Haney 😤.’
People acting like Top Rank makes legends by magic. But without real fights, contracts don’t mean nothing. Let’s see how Norman do against someone real like Haney before calling him a star.
I agree with you! They talking too much hype about this guy when he ain’t fought anyone big yet really 😒.
Top Rank just trying to make money off Norman before he lose. They always do that with young fighters who knock people out quick.
I don’t think Brian Norman Jr. is all that great like they say. Just because he knocked out some fighters doesn’t mean he gonna beat Haney. Haney got skills and brains, not just power.
You wrong Eden. Power wins fights and Norman got plenty of it 💥. Haney just talks good, but he ain’t ready for what Norman bringing in the ring.