Brian Norman Jr. Aims For Boots and Teofimo Lopez in 2025
As 2024 comes barreling to a close, WBO welterweight champion Brian “The Assassin II” Norman Jr. (26-0, 20 KO’s) is looking to change his ways. During the seven years that he’s been a professional, Norman Jr. has carried himself as a quiet warrior. Recognizing how the business of boxing is conducted though, The Assassin II has incorporated new tactics for procuring future prizefights. As evidence, he has doubled down on calling out Jaron “Boots” Ennis (33-0, 29 KO’s) and WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez (21-1, 13 KO’s). In addition, Richardson Hitchins, along with all other belt-carrying champions, were added to his hit list.
“I’m going to keep it real short and sweet with y’all boys out there. I see you trying to make noise or whatever, and everyone trying to keep me out the loop. So, I just want it to be known I have been quiet too long. I understand I’m slipping on my pimping but now it’s time to snap back and get right. So 2025 is my year. I got me a whole hitlist marked down, but I am starting with that boy Boots out there in Philly. I am going to go ahead and get that done with. I got to make that happen before he move up to 154.”
“After that, I see Teo was playing games, he was thinking about going up to 147. If you think about doing it, I am right here. If you want to fight at 140, we both WBO. I can cut down to 140 with you. Trust me, it’s not a problem at all! And that’s also for all the other 140-pound champions – anybody can get it, for real. I just wanted to let that be known! Like I said, I been quiet too long and that’s my mistake. But I am tightening up and now it’s time to take over this whole boxing game!”
OLD BUSINESS FIRST
It is true that despite his years on the pro circuit, Norman Jr. is a new face to the common and casual fan alike. This is why it makes sense for him to target Boots first, given his popularity. Truthfully, The Assassin II had already talked himself out of a career-high payday to face Ennis early this year. So, if Boots and Norman Jr. do authorize paperwork, it will be a particular highlight to see what his purse will be on the second go around.
The Teofimo Lopez fight presents a new wrinkle. Lopez has already voiced his desire to test his might with Jaron Ennis at 147, so clearly he is open to moving up. Now however, Norman Jr. has given The Takeover the option to remain comfortable and make himself sweat to drop the pounds and acclimate. That may sway the match in Team Norman’s direction.
A NEW LOW
Along with Teofimo Lopez, Norman Jr. verbally put fellow champions Richardson Hitchins (IBF), Jose Valenzuela (WBA) and Alberto Puello (interim WBC) in his crosshairs. This certainly was a twist. Unfortunately, the trouble for The Assassin II at 147 will likely still plague him at 140 and that’s his paltry public persona. Sure a fight could be made, but how much buzz would it generate? Even worse, his WBO strap wouldn’t even be an incentive.
Also is Norman Jr. suggesting an extended trip to 140, a one-off, or does he mean to toggle between the two? Honestly speaking, any one of those options are potentially dangerous. If competing against a champ at 140, minus his strap, it’d be revealing once again to see what manner of payday Team Norman expects and receives. For the time being though, this is just another standard issue call-out. So, we’ll have to keep our ears to the ground and see if any meat is put on any of these bones.
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