Brian Norman Jr. TKOs Derrieck Cuevas in ROUND 3, Sends Message to the Welterweight Division | FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS

Fighting for the first time since capturing the interim WBO title in May 2024, Brian Norman (27-0, 21 KOs) made a loud return at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, as the co-feature to Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan 2, smashing Derrieck Cuevas (27-2-1, 19 KOs) in just three rounds and closing the show with a brutal left hook—right hand—power jab combo that sent Cuevas crashing to the canvas with one second left in the round.

Cuevas walked in with a chip on his shoulder and months of frustration to unload. The November 8 date had slipped through his fingers when Norman pulled out with a hand injury, but the Puerto Rican chose to wait — no tune-up, just a direct shot at the title. And for a moment in Round 1, he made it count.

The Puerto Rican came out swinging, throwing sharp left hooks and cracking Norman with a sneaky right hand over the top that drew a reaction from the crowd. The champ stayed composed but was clearly touched—not hurt, but reminded.

“I came in with a little ring rust,” Norman admitted post-fight. “But you saw I shook that off real quick.”

And he did.

Norman made the necessary adjustment, showcasing the sharp in-ring IQ that separates contenders from champions in high-level boxing. Cuevas, still trying to press, walked into a crisp left hook that stung him. Moments later, Norman followed up with a stiff power jab that sent Cuevas stumbling backwards into the ropes, but he managed to stay on his feet and survive the round.

Cuevas’ aggression cooled. His confidence faded. And Norman—smelling doubt—stepped in with a quiet killer instinct.

Then came the highlight finish.

With less than 30 seconds to go in Round 3, Norman landed a short left hook that clipped Cuevas. The follow-up overhand right landed flush, and the power jab that followed was the final nail. Cuevas dropped hard, slamming into the corner, but his indecision after rising off the canvas sealed his fate. As referee Thomas Taylor counted and commanded, "Derrieck, look at me," Cuevas looked toward his corner instead of responding.

Big mistake. Taylor waved it off at 2:59 of Round 3.

Now, the welterweight boxing landscape looks different. While Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis gear up for their April 12 unification in Atlantic City, Norman’s making it known: he’s here, ready, and not waiting on anyone.

“I’m right here, after [Ennis and Stanionis] fight, I’m still in the welterweight division, I got a belt as well,” Norman said during the post-fight interview. “You see it on my shoulder. You see what I just did with [Cuevas] … I can do y’all the same exact way.” - 🥊