An inadvertent update about WBO welterweight titleholder Brian Norman Jr. has sparked significant discussion among fans and followers. Some view the matchup against Derrieck Cuevas as a potential cause for concern. But a few others consider it a secondary issue. What has truly ignited debate is Norman’s placement on the undercard of a female champion, tentatively scheduled for March 29.

Eminent boxing journalist Keith Idec reported that Brian Norman Jr.’s title defense against Puerto Rican fighter Derrieck Cuevas is expected to take place on the undercard of the highly anticipated rematch between champion Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan. The event will take place at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. Norman Jr. and Cuevas had a fight scheduled for November 8 of last year. However, the bout was postponed due to Norman Jr.’s hand injury. This latest update has added fuel to frustrations already simmering after the collapse of a potential title unification fight against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.

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Idec updated that Brian Norman Jr. would kick off his campaign this year with his first title defense. He wrote, “Brian Norman Jr.-Derrieck Cuevas has been rescheduled for 3/29 on the Mikaela Mayer-Sandy Ryan undercard at Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.”

The young fighter from Decatur, Georgia, has already faced criticism following the fallout of negotiations for a fight against ‘Boots’ Ennis. Reportedly, the talks broke down due to disagreements over financial terms.

Many observers believe that Norman Jr., who became a full champion for the first time in August, faces an additional blow to his standing. To some, placement on the undercard of a female title fight seems an unusual position for a reigning male champion.

The sentiments appear widespread. Let’s take a look at a few reactions.

Yet not everyone shares the same excitement

This boxing aficionado attached a humorous meme to make a point. They said, “Female undercard instead unifying w Boots for a career high, btw.” Yes, it’s true. If it turns out that way, questions will definitely arise about the arrangement. However, the focus on a male/female issue could sound a bit sexist to many.

Take another example. One fan simply tweeted, “EMBARRASSING.” Is it embarrassing that Norman Jr. is fighting a WBO sixth-ranked contender instead of facing a top-ranked fighter? Or is it because, as a champion, he is fighting on the undercard of a female champion’s fight?

The irony in this comment is hard to miss. “Brian Norman turned down a Boots fight to end up a women’s undercard? 😂😭😭,” said this boxing follower. Perhaps they find the situation absurd. Norman Jr. was expected to take on a bigger challenge but now appears to be in a less prestigious position instead.

However, a few fans were less disappointed. For example, this user sees the news as a smart move from Norman Jr. They said, “It’s a tune-up, bro. The smart game is to let everyone move up n try to unify the division elsewhere.” This could be a reference to Ennis’s purported goal of moving up and securing a career-defining matchup against Terence Crawford.

Similarly, another user expressed happiness at seeing Brian Norman Jr. back in the ring after a break. “Good to see the champ getting back in the ring during the first Quarter. 🥊,” they said. That’s partially true; had it not been for the injury, Norman Jr. could have had a second fight in 2024.

Whether on the undercard or in the main event, it’s critical that Brian Norman Jr. sail through the Puerto Rican fighter’s challenge with ease.

Only then will many take his claim to the welterweight legacy more seriously. The way talks for the ‘Boots’ Ennis fight unfolded didn’t bode well. As for fighting on a female champion’s undercard, remember that Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano fought on the co-main event of a face-off between 58-year-old Mike Tyson and a YouTuber-turned-boxer. So why can’t Norman Jr. fight on Mikaela Mayer’s undercard?

What about you? Do you also feel that the Norman Jr.-Cuevas matchup deserved a different card?