Brian Norman Jr. to partner with former Mike Tyson trainer for next fight

Former WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. will have a new face in his corner for his next fight. 

The American has linked up with Ronnie Shields, a former trainer of the legendary Mike Tyson, with a date and opponent yet to be confirmed for his first outing in 2026. 

Norman Jr. has not fought since losing his world welterweight title belt to Devin Haney in November. 

Norman reflects on difficult decision to ditch father

While fighters changing trainers is very common, Norman Jr's decision to obtain the services of Shields would have been a difficult one. 

As a result, Norman Jr's father will no longer be the main man in the corner, and he reflected on this difficult moment in his career with The Ring. 

"Of course, it was a difficult decision because that's my father,” Norman Jr. said.

“Even got the same name, but it was more so 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."

The 25-year-old was positive with how events played out when he made the decision to part ways with his father. 

"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," Norman Jr. continued.

"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 emotions around this decision will linger, but Norman Jr. is excited to work with a trainer who has played a major role in the careers of some of boxing's greats. 

"This is Ronnie Shields we're talking about.

"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."

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