WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. has suffered a hand injury, and his status is in doubt for his title defense against Derrieck Cuevas (27-1-1, 19 KOs) on November 8. With Norman Jr, 23, potentially off the November 8 card, it leaves a void that Top Rank will need to fill.
WBO 147-lb champion Norman had been in negotiations recently for a unification fight against IBF champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, but talks fell through over money. Boots promoter Eddie Hearn couldn’t close the deal.
Norman Jr. he was one of the two best fighters on the card. The other is a light talent, Abdullah Mason. These two are the real stars of this event.
Chris Mannix reports that Norman Jr. (26-0, 20 KOs) has a hand injury, which calls into question his status for the co-feature spot on the Keyshawn Davis vs. Gustavo Lemos card on ESPN.+.
If Norman Jr. is scratched from the card, Top Rank needs to decide who moves to the co-function location. Keyshawn’s brother, fringe light welterweight contender Kelvin Davis (13-0, 7 KOs), fights Yeis Solano on the undercard. However, fans do not see Kelvin as a future world champion. He is an average fighter, but has limited power and skills.
Abdullah Mason (15-0, 13 KOs) is scheduled to face Yohan Vasquez (26-5, 21 KOs) in an eight-round fight. Mason, 20, is the logical replacement for Norman Jr. in the head support slot. If Top Rank moves Mason to the main support spot, it will make sure fans don’t miss Norman Jr.
Southpaw Mason should be headlining the card because he’s a much better fighter than Keyshawn Davis and a much more entertaining guy. Keyshawn has not shown any progress since losing to Andy Cruz of Cuba in the finals of the 2020 Olympics, and it is doubtful whether he will be a professional.
Keyshawn, 25, has been fishing for big paydays against Teofimo Lopez, Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney, but no luck.
Mannix says ticket sales are “outstanding” for the Keyshawn vs. Lemos, and it’s expected to be a sellout at Scopes Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. This is the hometown of 2020 Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn, so it’s no surprise that tickets are moving.
Brian Norman, who is scheduled to defend his 147-pound title on Nov. 8, has a hand injury and his status for a scheduled fight against Derrieck Cuevas is in doubt, sources said. @SInow.
– Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) September 27, 2024
