Promising Young Boxer Secures Interim World Title for Fighters First Management

Jolene Mizzone’s Crowning Achievement

For Jolene Mizzone, president of Fighters First Management, witnessing Brian Norman Jr. clinch the WBO interim welterweight championship might just be the crowning achievement of her illustrious career. The 23-year-old Norman stopped Giovani Santillan in the 10th round last Saturday in Santillan’s hometown of San Diego, solidifying his status as one of boxing’s rising stars.

Fighters First Management, founded by Georgia-based entrepreneur David Basha with Adrian Clark as CEO, has been steadily expanding since its inception in 2022. Mizzone, a lifelong boxing enthusiast who began her career as a matchmaker for Main Events 25 years ago, was brought on board as the company’s president. Norman (26-0, 20 KOs) was seen as the crown jewel of Fighters First’s stable, and his interim title victory could pave the way for him to become a full-fledged world champion later this year should current WBO welterweight titleholder Terence Crawford vacate the belt to pursue titles at junior middleweight.

“The first thing I did when he knocked Santillan out, I jumped and almost hit the ceiling,” Mizzone recounted. “I ran over to David and said, ‘You got your first world champion.'”

Norman’s Journey to the Top

Norman’s journey to this point has been anything but smooth sailing. After initially impressing with sparring sessions against the likes of Crawford and Gervonta Davis, he struggled to find his footing in the early stages of his professional career. Doubts began to creep in as Norman turned in several underwhelming performances, including a competitive fight with Jesus “Ricky” Perez, a forgettable bout with Quinton Randall, and a no-contest against Janelson Figueroa Bocachica.

However, Mizzone and Fighters First remained steadfast in their belief in Norman’s potential. When the opportunity to face Santillan arose, the management team and Norman’s father quickly agreed to the fight, despite the challenges of venturing into hostile territory as the underdog. Their faith in their young charge was rewarded with a dominant stoppage victory that has now propelled Norman to the brink of a world title.

“After Saturday, all those past performances are forgotten,” Mizzone said, her excitement palpable. “We’re looking forward to what’s next for Brian and Fighters First Management.”

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