Brian Norman Jnr’s father is no longer his head trainer
Brian Norman Jnr has made a major change in his camp following his first professional defeat.
“I will say my father is no longer my head trainer at the moment,” Norman, now 28-1 (22 KOs), said in an expansive interview with Naji Grampus of Cigar Talk. “I have been looking at other options at the moment. I know some things had to get shooken up a little bit, just had to move different ways, that’s all.”
Brian Norman Snr had been both the head coach and a prominent voice speaking on behalf of his talented son, guiding him all the way to gaining the WBO title at 147lbs. But Norman Jnr was dethroned in his third defense, as he was dropped by Devin Haney in the 2nd round of their bout this past November 22 and ultimately lost via unanimous decision.
“I like winning. I need to go out here and win,” Norman Jnr said. “Whatever I feel like I need to do, I’m going to go out there and do it. No disrespect to him or anything like that. Great coach. Of course, he got me to this point. He’s still around. But it’s just that head trainer, I just feel like I need to venture out a little bit.”
Norman, a 25-year-old resident of Conyers, Georgia, said he’s talked with his promotional team at Top Rank and is looking at potential return dates in March and April.
“I know for a fact that I’m going to get the job done,” Norman said. “Even still to this day, I’m still the God of War. And I lost the battle, but I will win the war. I will be back and fight Devin Haney.”
Norman acknowledged that he will need to earn another shot at the title, whether against Haney or any of the other men with belts at 147.
“I need to go and knock me one head off real quick, and hopefully right after that, y’all see us like that,” he said.
Brian Norman Jnr’s father is no longer his head trainer
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Re: Brian Norman Jnr’s father is no longer his head trainer
BRIAN NORMAN SR. SAYS OF TRAINING HIS SON: 'I WILL NOT BE IN THE CORNER AT ALL'
Brian Norman Sr. isn’t taking his demotion too well.
Recently, Brian Norman Jr., his son, announced that his father would no longer be his head trainer. The decision stems from his recent points loss to Devin Haney. Norman Jr. was dropped in the second round and lost his WBO welterweight title by unanimous decision in November on 'The Ring IV: Night of the Champions'. Now, the 25-year-old is looking for a new voice in the corner.
Norman Sr. respects his son's choice. However, now that he’s made it, he plans on getting out of the way entirely.
“I will not be in the corner at all,” Norman Sr. revealed to MillCity Boxing. “Can you imagine me being second to somebody else? I can’t. I can’t play second fiddle to nobody.”
From the beginning, the Normans have been tied at the hip. But the former 147-pound champion recently admitted that he wasn’t a fan of some of the instructions given to him by his father during his defeat to Haney (33-0, 15 KOs, 1 NC) at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In an interview with Cigar Talk, Norman Jr. said that he was told to go right after Haney in the early rounds.
Although he did what he was told, he believes it wasn’t the best decision. While nothing is set in stone just yet, Norman Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) was spotted with former Trainer of the Year, Derrick James. The Dallas-based trainer has worked with some of the game’s best fighters, including former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr., former undisputed 154-pound titlist, Jermell Charlo, and former unified heavyweight king Anthony Joshua.
Still, regardless of who he eventually chooses, Norman Sr. refuses to take a backseat. From his point of view, he’s done a great job developing his son and shouldn't be relegated to a reduced role.
“You can’t put me in front of a dish, and I’m cooking up a gourmet meal, and then you're gonna replace me with another chef and tell me I gotta be his assistant,” Norman Sr. said. “You can kiss my ass.”
Brian Norman Sr. isn’t taking his demotion too well.
Recently, Brian Norman Jr., his son, announced that his father would no longer be his head trainer. The decision stems from his recent points loss to Devin Haney. Norman Jr. was dropped in the second round and lost his WBO welterweight title by unanimous decision in November on 'The Ring IV: Night of the Champions'. Now, the 25-year-old is looking for a new voice in the corner.
Norman Sr. respects his son's choice. However, now that he’s made it, he plans on getting out of the way entirely.
“I will not be in the corner at all,” Norman Sr. revealed to MillCity Boxing. “Can you imagine me being second to somebody else? I can’t. I can’t play second fiddle to nobody.”
From the beginning, the Normans have been tied at the hip. But the former 147-pound champion recently admitted that he wasn’t a fan of some of the instructions given to him by his father during his defeat to Haney (33-0, 15 KOs, 1 NC) at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In an interview with Cigar Talk, Norman Jr. said that he was told to go right after Haney in the early rounds.
Although he did what he was told, he believes it wasn’t the best decision. While nothing is set in stone just yet, Norman Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) was spotted with former Trainer of the Year, Derrick James. The Dallas-based trainer has worked with some of the game’s best fighters, including former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr., former undisputed 154-pound titlist, Jermell Charlo, and former unified heavyweight king Anthony Joshua.
Still, regardless of who he eventually chooses, Norman Sr. refuses to take a backseat. From his point of view, he’s done a great job developing his son and shouldn't be relegated to a reduced role.
“You can’t put me in front of a dish, and I’m cooking up a gourmet meal, and then you're gonna replace me with another chef and tell me I gotta be his assistant,” Norman Sr. said. “You can kiss my ass.”
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Re: Brian Norman Jnr’s father is no longer his head trainer
Smart move. When you get as outboxed as he got by Haney it's time to make a change.
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Re: Brian Norman Jnr’s father is no longer his head trainer
Brian Norman talks split from father, hiring Ronnie Shields
The next time Brian Norman steps into the ring, he’ll be without the person who has been in his corner throughout his boxing journey.
Norman has hired Ronnie Shields as his next trainer, replacing his father, Brian Norman Sr.
Shields has long been one of boxing’s top minds and has trained some of the sport’s best over the last three decades, including former world champions Pernell Whitaker, Vernon Forrest and Evander Holyfield.
He has also been the longtime trainer for former middleweight champion Jermall Charlo and has worked with Erislandy Lara and David Morrell.
"This is Ronnie Shields we're talking about," Norman told The Ring’s Louis Hart. "This is the legend. This is the guy who helped Pernell Whitaker, Evander Holyfield [and] my hometown guy Vernon Forrest. The mentality that we both have and the way that we both operate, the chemistry and even boxing-wise, style-wise, everything matches up. I feel like this was the best coach to go with."
Norman (28-1, 22 KOs) also worked with renowned trainer Derrick James before deciding to team up with Shields.
The hiring of Shields means the 25-year-old from Decatur, Georgia, will no longer have his father in his corner. That decision wasn’t easy. Norman said he had multiple conversations with his father before agreeing it was best to go their separate ways professionally.
"Of course, it was a difficult decision because that's my father,” Norman said. “Even got the same name, but it was moreso I just needed to get away from home. I need to get away from home, go outside a little bit more and just go out and do my thing for a second."
He later added: "I became a whole man by everything he taught me, everything he raised me by [and] became a champion, as well. It was a very hard conversation, but men do what men got to do. I had to have that conversation. Me and him sat down a few times, we talked about it. We both came to a conclusion that we had to do what we had to do."
The younger Norman, The Ring’s No. 2-ranked welterweight, lost his perfect record and WBO title by unanimous decision to three-division champion Devin Haney on Nov. 22.
Norman had successfully defended the title twice, including delivering The Ring’s 2025 Knockout of the Year with his brutal fifth-round stoppage of Jin Sasaki in June.
Norman is eyeing a comeback fight this summer, and if all goes according to plan, he hopes to fight for another world title later in the year.
The next time Brian Norman steps into the ring, he’ll be without the person who has been in his corner throughout his boxing journey.
Norman has hired Ronnie Shields as his next trainer, replacing his father, Brian Norman Sr.
Shields has long been one of boxing’s top minds and has trained some of the sport’s best over the last three decades, including former world champions Pernell Whitaker, Vernon Forrest and Evander Holyfield.
He has also been the longtime trainer for former middleweight champion Jermall Charlo and has worked with Erislandy Lara and David Morrell.
"This is Ronnie Shields we're talking about," Norman told The Ring’s Louis Hart. "This is the legend. This is the guy who helped Pernell Whitaker, Evander Holyfield [and] my hometown guy Vernon Forrest. The mentality that we both have and the way that we both operate, the chemistry and even boxing-wise, style-wise, everything matches up. I feel like this was the best coach to go with."
Norman (28-1, 22 KOs) also worked with renowned trainer Derrick James before deciding to team up with Shields.
The hiring of Shields means the 25-year-old from Decatur, Georgia, will no longer have his father in his corner. That decision wasn’t easy. Norman said he had multiple conversations with his father before agreeing it was best to go their separate ways professionally.
"Of course, it was a difficult decision because that's my father,” Norman said. “Even got the same name, but it was moreso I just needed to get away from home. I need to get away from home, go outside a little bit more and just go out and do my thing for a second."
He later added: "I became a whole man by everything he taught me, everything he raised me by [and] became a champion, as well. It was a very hard conversation, but men do what men got to do. I had to have that conversation. Me and him sat down a few times, we talked about it. We both came to a conclusion that we had to do what we had to do."
The younger Norman, The Ring’s No. 2-ranked welterweight, lost his perfect record and WBO title by unanimous decision to three-division champion Devin Haney on Nov. 22.
Norman had successfully defended the title twice, including delivering The Ring’s 2025 Knockout of the Year with his brutal fifth-round stoppage of Jin Sasaki in June.
Norman is eyeing a comeback fight this summer, and if all goes according to plan, he hopes to fight for another world title later in the year.
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Re: Brian Norman Jnr’s father is no longer his head trainer
BRIAN NORMAN BEGINS REVIVAL WITH RONNIE SHIELDS
Brian Norman realized he needed a new coach to revive his career following his first career defeat.
Norman (28-1, 22 KOs) lost his WBO welterweight title to Devin Haney in November, getting dropped en route to a unanimous decision defeat in Saudi Arabia.
Previously trained by his father, "The Assassin" Norman has now handed the coaching keys to his career to the renowned Ronnie Shields ahead of his fight Saturday against Josh Wagner (19-2, 10 KOs).
The 10-round bout will serve as the co-main event to a Top Rank on DAZN show headlined by the rematch between Keyshawn Davis and Nahir Albright at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.
"Brian and I hit it off right away. He liked the way we trained and how I showed him different things that we can work on to improve his game. He loved it, and here we are now," Shields told The Ring.
"The most important thing we're working on is defense. When I looked at the Haney fight, I saw things that I know can help him with, so I brought it up and showed what we should be doing. He catches on very quickly and has enjoyed the feedback. We worked on it every day, in addition to the offense, and I think he's going to be so much better than he was before.”
Norman, The Ring’s No. 2-ranked welterweight, isn’t the only notable fighter seeking the Midas touch from Shields. Errol Spence Jr. is also training with Shields for the first time ahead of his comeback fight against Tim Tszyu in July.
Throughout his career, Shields has trained the likes of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Pernell Whitaker, Vernon Forrest, Arturo Gatti, Jermall Charlo, and many others.
Shields has a positive outlook for the 25-year-old Georgia native Norman, owner of The Ring’s 2025 Knockout of the Year, following his vicious third-round stoppage of Jin Sasaki in June.
Norman recently said he's coming into the fight with Wagner equipped with multiple game plans and isn't solely focused on a knockout.
“My pops was doing his thing, but I feel that I needed a more experienced coach,” said Norman. “Ronnie gives me a whole lot of game from what he's seen from the legendary fighters he's worked with. I’m a fast learner. He’s calmed me down by being smooth and slow, yet smooth and fast at the same time.”
Shields said Norman’s demeanor reminds him of Holyfield and how “The Real Deal” wanted to soak in as much knowledge as possible.
“There's no doubt that he can touch new ceilings and reach new heights,” said Shields. “Brian wants to learn everything, and that's what I love about him. He always wants to improve and learn the next thing, and sometimes I have to slow him down to move with the process. But we’re well ahead of schedule.”
Brian Norman realized he needed a new coach to revive his career following his first career defeat.
Norman (28-1, 22 KOs) lost his WBO welterweight title to Devin Haney in November, getting dropped en route to a unanimous decision defeat in Saudi Arabia.
Previously trained by his father, "The Assassin" Norman has now handed the coaching keys to his career to the renowned Ronnie Shields ahead of his fight Saturday against Josh Wagner (19-2, 10 KOs).
The 10-round bout will serve as the co-main event to a Top Rank on DAZN show headlined by the rematch between Keyshawn Davis and Nahir Albright at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.
"Brian and I hit it off right away. He liked the way we trained and how I showed him different things that we can work on to improve his game. He loved it, and here we are now," Shields told The Ring.
"The most important thing we're working on is defense. When I looked at the Haney fight, I saw things that I know can help him with, so I brought it up and showed what we should be doing. He catches on very quickly and has enjoyed the feedback. We worked on it every day, in addition to the offense, and I think he's going to be so much better than he was before.”
Norman, The Ring’s No. 2-ranked welterweight, isn’t the only notable fighter seeking the Midas touch from Shields. Errol Spence Jr. is also training with Shields for the first time ahead of his comeback fight against Tim Tszyu in July.
Throughout his career, Shields has trained the likes of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Pernell Whitaker, Vernon Forrest, Arturo Gatti, Jermall Charlo, and many others.
Shields has a positive outlook for the 25-year-old Georgia native Norman, owner of The Ring’s 2025 Knockout of the Year, following his vicious third-round stoppage of Jin Sasaki in June.
Norman recently said he's coming into the fight with Wagner equipped with multiple game plans and isn't solely focused on a knockout.
“My pops was doing his thing, but I feel that I needed a more experienced coach,” said Norman. “Ronnie gives me a whole lot of game from what he's seen from the legendary fighters he's worked with. I’m a fast learner. He’s calmed me down by being smooth and slow, yet smooth and fast at the same time.”
Shields said Norman’s demeanor reminds him of Holyfield and how “The Real Deal” wanted to soak in as much knowledge as possible.
“There's no doubt that he can touch new ceilings and reach new heights,” said Shields. “Brian wants to learn everything, and that's what I love about him. He always wants to improve and learn the next thing, and sometimes I have to slow him down to move with the process. But we’re well ahead of schedule.”
Re: Brian Norman Jnr’s father is no longer his head trainer
Shields has a lot of work to do with Norman.