Norman Jr.’s Manager Denies Claims His Fighter Ducked Boots – ‘Only Asked For More Money’

Brian Norman Jr. never turned down the Jaron Ennis fight. 

That is according to his manager, Adrian Clark. Reports indicated that talks were ongoing for a unification, as Norman would put his WBO belt on the line against Ennis’ IBF. November 9 was the date being mentioned for a fight in Ennis’ hometown of Philadelphia. However, the talks broke down due to differences in money.

Eddie Hearn confirmed that several offers were sent, none of which were accepted. The perception was that Norman’s team was too unrealistic in their demands. While Ennis may be seen as the A-side, they got their titles only after Terence Crawford moved up to 154. Norman’s team wanted more money, something which never happened. 

Clark Reacts

“There was an offer from Matchroom for Brian to fight Boots [Ennis] in Philly on 11/9. They presented an offer, and we countered. They presented another offer, and we countered again. From our standpoint, we wanted Brian to go home [after paying for everything] with around $1.3m-$1.5m.

“He was at $810k take home after Matchroom ended negotiations. I know that it is not their job to worry about our deductions, expenses, etc. However, my client made it clear what the arrangement needed to be to make the fight happen. Matchroom failed to reach that number [Which would have been $1.9m-$2m]. We never turned down the fight. Only asked for more money,” Clark said 

Both fighters will now go in different directions. Norman will box Derrieck Cuevas on November 8 in the first defense of his title. Meanwhile, Ennis also has to decide if his future is at 147. The IBF has ordered him to make a defense of his title against Karen Chukhadzhian. Purse bids will be called on September 3. However, he has already beaten Chukhadzhian last year, meaning the demand to see the fight is far less.

Hearn Responds

However, he will get stripped if he does not take the fight. That would damage Ennis’ ambitions of becoming undisputed, while Boots may decide to move to 154. However, he does not have belts, which means that a fight against Terence Crawford may prove difficult. Other big names exist at 154, such as Tim Tszyu and Vergil Ortiz. But those are risky fights, as a loss would damage Ennis’ brand as he is currently undefeated. Eddie Hearn has been left frustrated by Norman’s side. 

“I’m not wasting my energy with these guys. All they’re trying to do is get clout of Boots Ennis’ name. Good luck to them. Mr. Norman, or whatever his name is, you’ve dropped the ball. You’re too late. If you really did want the fight, you dropped the ball big time, but I don’t believe you did. Adrian Clark, I’m not aware of this guy. If they want 1.2 [million], who on earth are they paying to give up that much about of money? Well, over half a million dollars for somebody else [Cuevas] to take the fight [on November 8th]?” Hearn stated 

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