Brian Norman Jr. says a champ isn’t a champ until he defends his belt, and he’s ready to do just that.

Norman will put his WBO welterweight world title on the line against Puerto Rican challenger Derrieck Cuevas on Saturday, March 29, at BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Norman-Cuevas will be the co-feature to the rematch between WBO female welterweight world champion Mikaela Mayer and former titleholder Sandy Ryan.

Mayer-Ryan II and Norman-Cuevas will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Norman (26-0, 20 KOs) captured the interim title with a 10th-round knockout over previously unbeaten Giovani Santillan last May. He was elevated to full champion after Terence Crawford vacated the belt later that year. The win capped a breakout run for the Atlanta native, who signed with Top Rank in 2023 and notched three victories that year. Cuevas (27-1-1, 19 KOs) enters the biggest challenge of his career riding a four-fight knockout streak, including a sixth-round TKO against Marlon Aguas in December 2023.

While spending a week in Las Vegas for sparring, away from his Georgia training camp, this is what Norman had to say:

“I’m very excited. I feel like a champion is not a champion until that first title defense. I’ve got a wonderful competitor coming against me. So, it’s time to prove that I am the real deal champion.”

“He's a very tough fighter. He’s coming to change his life. This is a championship fight. So, I know how that feels. He’s thinking, ‘All I have to do is win this one fight, and my whole life changes.’ So, I understand how he’s coming. He’s very strong and powerful. He’s coming to knock my head off. It’s going to be a very good fight, but I don’t think it will be a long one.”

“I see {being a champion} as a good thing because I’m still a hunter. I’m hunting for knowledge. I’m hunting for experience. And I’m hunting for more skills. I want to see how far I can go.”

“I’m 1,000 percent ready. I’m ready to go. I’m to fight tomorrow. Sign me up. Where the gloves at? Throw me in there!”

"After this fight, we can get that unification fight. I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere. I’m 24 years old. I’m going to be a welterweight for a smooth minute. Let’s get these fights in.”