Brian Norman Jr. vs. Derrieck Cuevas: Live round-by-round updates

Brian Norman Jr. is set for his first WBO welterweight title defense this Saturday at the Fontainebleau Arena in Las Vegas, taking on Puerto Rico’s Derrieck Cuevas in a high-stakes showdown.

Norman Jr. (26-0, 20 KOs) earned the title after Terence Crawford vacated, but he’s determined to prove he’s no placeholder. His dominant stoppage win over Giovani Santillan last May proved that he belongs in the elite category of the sport. Now, against a dangerous opponent, he looks to cement his reign and add another worthy challenger to his resume.

Cuevas (27-1-1, 19 KOs) has yet to compete at the championship level, but his four-fight knockout streak suggests he’s coming to test Norman’s chin. However, with no fights in 2024, the big question is whether ring rust will be a factor against an active, high-level opponent.

The action kicks off with prelims at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN. Sportskeeda will bring you live, round-by-round coverage, results, and all the updates from Mikaela Mayer vs. Sandy Ryan 2 and the co-main event showdown.

Stay tuned for real-time updates as Norman Jr. and Cuevas go to war for welterweight supremacy:

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Round 1

Norman opens the attack with double jabs to the body. A strong left hand from Cuevas. Norman is operating from outside the range while Cuevas wants to get in range to make this a competitive fight. Norman needs to set up his attacks because Cuevas, so far, has strongly responded to his entries.

Our Score: 10-9 Norman

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Round 2

Norman is disgusting his attacks now, feinting the body strikes to land up top. Double jab from Norman. Cuevas with the wide stance, teasing his signature left hook. He's the one pressuring Norman, but Norman fires back with a strong right hand that briefly buckles Cuevas. He pushes for the finish but Cuevas is seemingly saved by the bell.

Our Score: 10-9 Norman, 20-18 overall

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Round 3

Norman is floating around the ring with confidence as he lands another strong blow. A nice straight jab and hook behind lands for Norman. He barely misses with the overhand right. All Norman in the round, and he lands a left hook that drops Cuevas. And that's a wrap!

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Official Result

Brian Norman Jr. stops Derrieck Cuevas via TKO at 2:59 mark of the third round