Boxing Preview: Derrieck Cuevas (27-1-1, 19 KOs) vs. Brian Norman Jr (26-0, 20 KO’s)

The upcoming WBO Welterweight Championship bout between Brian Norman Jr. and Derrieck Cuevas is set to be an electrifying contest. 

Fight Details

• Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
• Time: Main card starts at 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT
• Venue: Fontainebleau Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
• Broadcast: ESPN and ESPN+

Fighter Overview

Brian Norman Jr. (26-0, 20 KOs)

The undefeated American fighter, nicknamed “The Assassin II,” is making his first defense of the WBO Welterweight title. Norman Jr. earned the belt after Terence Crawford vacated it to pursue a super middleweight bout against Canelo Alvarez. Known for his combination of slick boxing skills and knockout power, Norman Jr. has consistently overwhelmed opponents with his aggressive style. His most recent victory was a dominant 10th-round knockout of Giovani Santillan in May 2024, showcasing his ability to finish fights against high-level competition.

Key Stats:

• Height: 5’8″
• Reach: 70″
• Knockout Wins: 20 out of 26 fights
• Style: Aggressive, with a mix of technical boxing and power punching

Derrieck Cuevas (27-1-1, 19 KOs)

The Puerto Rican fighter is stepping into the ring for his first world title shot. Cuevas has been on a four-fight knockout streak since suffering his only career defeat in December 2020 against Damian Ezequiel Bonelli. While Cuevas has shown promise with his power and resilience, his lack of championship-level experience and inactivity in 2024 could be factors against him. This fight represents a significant step up in competition for Cuevas, who will need to prove he can handle Norman Jr.’s power and pace.

Key Stats:

• Height: 5’9″
• Reach: 72″
• Knockout Wins: 19 out of 27 fights
• Style: Power-focused, with a tendency to push the pace

Matchup Analysis

Brian Norman Jr.’s Strengths

• Knockout Power: With 20 KOs, Norman Jr. has the ability to end fights decisively.
• Versatility: He can adapt to different styles, whether fighting on the front foot or countering.
• Momentum: Norman Jr. enters the fight with confidence, having consistently defeated high-level opponents.

Derrieck Cuevas’s Strengths

• Power Punching: Cuevas has the ability to hurt opponents with his heavy hands.
• Height and Reach Advantage: Cuevas’s physical attributes could help him control the distance.
• Resilience: Despite his lack of championship experience, Cuevas has shown the ability to bounce back from adversity.

Key Matchups

• Power vs. Power: Both fighters possess knockout power, making this a potentially explosive contest.
• Experience vs. Opportunity: Norman Jr.’s championship experience will be tested against Cuevas’s hunger for his first title.
• Ring Rust vs. Activity: Cuevas’s inactivity in 2024 could be a disadvantage against Norman Jr.’s consistent activity.