If you’ve spent any time scrolling through boxing Twitter or catching Top Rank cards on a Saturday night, you’ve seen the name. Brian Norman Jr. is one of those fighters who feels like he’s been around forever despite only being 25. He’s got that old-school, "anywhere, anytime" vibe that’s honestly pretty rare in the modern era of protected records and ducking. But looking at the Brian Norman Jr record as it stands today in early 2026, you see a story that’s way more complicated than just a win-loss column. It’s a resume built on blood, weird "No Contest" rulings, and a massive 2025 that basically redefined his entire career trajectory.
The Stats: What the Book Says Right Now
Let’s get the dry stuff out of the way first so we can talk about what actually happened in the ring. As of January 2026, the Brian Norman Jr record sits at 28 wins, 1 loss, and 2 No Contests. Out of those 28 wins, 22 of them didn’t need the judges. That’s a 78.6% knockout ratio, which for a welterweight is kind of terrifying.
He stands 5’8” with a 72-inch reach. He’s an orthodox fighter, but he’s got this sneaky way of closing distance that makes him feel much bigger. He turned pro back in 2018 when he was just 17 years old. Think about that. While most of us were worrying about prom or senior finals, he was taking bus rides into Mexico to fight grown men for pocket change. That’s where he built that "The Assassin II" nickname. His dad, Brian Norman Sr., was a pro too, so this stuff is basically in his DNA.
That Messy 2024 Transition
You can’t talk about the Brian Norman Jr record without talking about the Janelson Figueroa Bocachica fight in March 2024. Honestly, it was a disaster. It was supposed to be his big step-up, but it ended in a No Contest after just three rounds because of a massive head clash. Both guys were leaking blood everywhere. It was frustrating for the fans, but even more frustrating for Norman, who felt like his momentum had just hit a brick wall.
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But then came May 2024. This is the moment everything changed. He went into San Diego—Giovani Santillan’s backyard—as a massive underdog. Nobody expected him to do much. Instead, he absolutely dismantled Santillan, knocking him out in the 10th round to grab the WBO Interim Welterweight title. When Terence Crawford eventually moved up in weight, Norman was elevated to the full world champion. Suddenly, the kid from Georgia wasn't just a prospect; he was the man with the target on his back.
The 2025 Rollercoaster: Peaks and Valleys
Last year was, frankly, insane for Brian. If you were tracking his progress, it felt like every few months he was in a completely different kind of fight.
- The Cuevas Destruction (March 2025): His first defense of the full WBO belt. He fought Derrieck Cuevas in Las Vegas and it was a clinical beating. He finished him in three rounds. The timing on his left hook that night was basically perfect.
- The Japanese Statement (June 2025): He traveled to Tokyo to face Jin Sasaki. This fight actually won "Knockout of the Year" from several outlets. Sasaki is a brawler, but Norman timed a counter off a body jab in the 5th round that put Sasaki out cold. It was one of those "don't blink" moments.
- The Haney Heartbreak (November 2025): This is the one that still stings if you're a Norman fan. He took on Devin Haney in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was a massive unification-style fight even though Haney was moving up. Haney’s movement was just too much. Norman couldn't find his range, got dropped early, and lost a 12-round unanimous decision.
That loss to Haney is the only blemish on the Brian Norman Jr record right now, but losing to a guy like Haney isn't exactly career-ending. It showed that while Norman has the power to put anyone away, he still has some things to learn about dealing with elite-level defensive wizards.
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Why People Misunderstand His Record
A lot of casual fans look at his record and see those 12 early fights in Mexico and think he was just padding his stats. Honestly, that’s a bit unfair. Fighting in Mexico as a teenager is some of the toughest "on-the-job" training you can get. Those fights don't always show up on fancy TV broadcasts, but they build a level of grit you can't get in a flashy amateur program.
The other thing people get wrong is the "No Contest" count. Having two NCs on your record is weird. Usually, that implies something shady like a failed drug test, but in Norman’s case, it was purely accidental headbutts and cuts. It’s given him a reputation for being in "messy" fights, but if you actually watch the film, he’s a much more technical counter-puncher than people give him credit for.
What’s Next for The Assassin II?
So, where do we go from here? The Brian Norman Jr record is no longer undefeated, but in a weird way, that might make him more dangerous. He’s currently ranked in the top 5 of almost every major sanctioning body. There’s a lot of talk about a potential clash with Mario Barrios or even a rematch with Haney if the money is right.
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If you’re looking to follow his career moving forward, keep an eye on his hand health. He had surgery after the Santillan fight in 2024, and while he looked great in early 2025, you always wonder if that power will stay consistent after a loss and a major injury.
Actionable Insights for Following Brian Norman Jr:
- Watch the Sasaki KO: If you want to see why he’s feared, go find the highlights of the June 2025 fight in Tokyo. It's a masterclass in timing.
- Monitor the 147-lb Rankings: Now that he doesn't have the WBO belt, he’s a "high risk, low reward" opponent. He might have to take a tough fight against someone like Conor Benn to get back into title contention.
- Check the Father-Son Dynamic: His dad is still his head trainer. In boxing, that either works beautifully or ends in a blowout. So far, it’s been their greatest strength.
The loss to Haney was a setback, sure, but at 25, Norman has plenty of time to add another world title to his resume. The story of his record is still being written, and honestly, the comeback is usually more interesting than the undefeated run anyway.