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Brian Norman Eyeing Title Unification Homecoming Fight in Atlanta vs. Ennis Stanionis Winner, Barrios
NEWS
Manouk Akopyan
Manouk Akopyan
RingMagazine.com
Brian Norman Eyeing Title Unification Homecoming Fight in Atlanta vs. Ennis-Stanionis Winner, Barrios
Georgia-born and bred WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. took a victory lap on April 1 at the State Farm Arena while the Atlanta Hawks played the Portland Trail Blazers.

With his title in tow, Norman basked in the glory following a third-round knockout win against Derrieck Cuevas on March 29.

The Decatur and Conyers raised Norman defended his title for the first time since a devastating knockout of Giovani Santillan in May. At the time, Norman picked up the 147-pound interim WBO title and was elevated in August once Terence Crawford moved on to 154 pounds.

The 24-year-old Norman (27-0, 21 KOs), who's nicknamed "The Assassin," now has his target set on the rest of the champions in the division, which include Mario Barrios (WBC), Eimantas Stanionis (WBA), and Jaron Ennis (IBF). Stanionis and Ennis are set to square off April 12 in a title unification bout that will also have The Ring belt on the line.

"We have a whole bunch of options now. We shall see what's next," Norman told The Ring in an interview. "I'm very comfortable making weight at 147 pounds and there is no struggle at all. I'm not going to 154 pounds anytime soon.

"I definitely want to fight at the State Farm Arena and sell it out. Anybody can be the perfect opponent with the fact that I am there. That's all we need.

"I actually have a very big fan base here [in Georgia]. They love to see me fight. I bring action. I bring knockouts. We should have a homecoming fight, in my opinion.

"Barrios has a belt as well but he's playing around with it. I'm right here. Let's get it.”

Jin Sasaki also emerged as a challenger after Norman’s last fight, respectfully calling out Norman by reading him a letter in person.

However, Norman quipped that if Ennis ultimately emerged as an opponent, then the fight would be big enough to take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons.

"It's very possible the [Ennis] fight can happen this year,” said Norman. “He wants to be the undisputed champion. I want to be the undisputed champion. Why can't it happen?

"Ennis is a very great fighter. A very skillful, talented, hard-working fighter who has all of the tools possible and is capable of beating Stanionis. But Stanionis is a champion for a reason. I'm sure he's going to prove himself that night as to why he's a champion. May the best man win. I’ll be watching.”

Manouk Akopyan is a lead writer for The Ring. He can be reached on X and Instagram @ManoukAkopyan.

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