What are your thoughts about Brian Norman Jr after his performance with Giovanni Santillan? It was a tremendous fight, although upon rewatching it I didn't appreciate the taunting that he did when he knocked Santillan down and out which really put a bad taste. Do you think he has potential to be another major player in 147? Perhaps at some point we'll see him face Mario Barrios, Eimantas Stanionis and Jaron Ennis, although I'm not sure if he's ready for that smoke just yet. This content is protected
Santillan was a legitimate top level WW, and at only 23, hes definitely one to keep an eye on. Sort of sprung out of nowhere.
Very impressive stuff from a fighter this young. Say what you will about Sasaki but he hits like a truck and is a top 10 guy at 147 and Norman Jr. made him look like a novice. Norman Jr. deserves some flowers for a win this dominant against a world ranked, hard-hitting contender. There's a lot of stuff that Norman Jr. does which I really like actually, I like his educated long guard, how he changes the speed on his jab, and how he employs his physicality and isn't afraid to get grimy on the inside. He's got a lot of spite to his work but maintains his composure very well, even when hurt. He reminds me quite a bit of Andre Ward actually with how he probes and prods with the lead hand, and how he can handle himself on the inside. Now that Boots is at 154, Norman Jr. has firmly established himself as the premier welterweight in the world and there aren't any guys at the weight who I think are clear favourites over him. I do think he is a world class talent and I think he could forge a very respectable run at 147 if he keeps in the same form as he showed today. It's a pretty open field at 147 and I fancy Norman's chances to do something noteworthy there in the coming year or two.
Honestly, I think Norman would give Boots hell and wouldn't surprise me if he beat him, but since his team has done everything to avoid it after being offered $1.2 million by Matchroom, then there's clearly something behind the scenes that they don't quite trust. On the surface though he looks like the heir apparent at 147, although the division is arguably the thinnest in the sport at the moment.
Brian struggles with rangy movers. He will probably beat Haney but he will not look good. He could beat Teo but thats a very good match up. He smokes Barrios, Rolly, Garcia. He would probably beat Stanionis but I'm on the fence. Hitchins beats him. Karen might beat him, he's is a dark horse with those angles he gave Boots. Can't guage Giyasov or Papot yet. Loses to Rashidi Ellis, can match him in speed and moves too much
This that D needs to get better and a little more seasoning he could be a good champion but a question for the room we hear so much bull**** about American fighters not fighting abroad and Fighting with hit-and-run tactics but you have a prospect that goes to enemy territory and flat lines the opponent and I don’t hear anything but crickets.
