Fighting in Photos – Brian Norman gets stoppage over Josh Wagner

NORFOLK – The former world champion had no issues getting back in the win column on Saturday night, as Brian Norman Jr. scored two knockdowns in the second round to defeat Josh Wagner by technical knockout at the Scope Arena.

Norman (29-1, 23 KO) opened the bout with a fast start as he wanted to send a message to Wagner (19-3, 10 KOs). At the weigh-in, Wagner was talking trash to Norman but in the ring he had to answer for it.

“I came out trying to take his head off,” Norman said. “I swung big, but then decided to chill, work off the jab and stick to my fundamentals.”

Once Norman started to work behind his jab, Wagner had no chance. Norman’s jab led to a left hook that stunned Wagner and forced him to the ropes where Norman threw a flurry of punches before Wagner was forced to go on one knee. Referee Eric Irizarry gave a count of 8 to the Canadian before he got up, and Norman proceeded to throw another flurry of punches before Wagner went down again.

After getting up a second time, Wagner complained that he hurt his shoulder and was checked by the ringside physician before the bout was waived off.

For Norman, this was the first bout since his loss to Devin Haney and it also was the first time that Coach Ronnie Shields was in his corner.

“I’ve learned a lot with Ronnie Shields,” he said. “I’m being more calm and cool. And this ring is my home now. We’ll see what’s next. No matter what, I’ll handle business.”