Orlin Norris facts for kids

Orlin Levance Norris (born October 4, 1965) is a former American professional boxer. He competed in the sport from 1986 to 2005. Orlin was the WBA cruiserweight champion from 1993 to 1995.

Before turning professional, he won the National Golden Gloves title as an amateur. Orlin is also the brother of Terry Norris, who was also a famous boxing champion.

Orlin Norris's Boxing Journey

Starting as a Heavyweight Boxer

Orlin Norris began his professional boxing career in 1986. He started in the Heavyweight division, which is for the biggest boxers. He quickly became a highly ranked fighter that many opponents tried to avoid.

In 1988, he won the NABF heavyweight title. He beat Larry Alexander by decision. After that, he won more fights against well-known boxers like Renaldo Snipes, Jesse Ferguson, and former world champion Greg Page (boxer).

Even after beating Greg Page, Orlin Norris did not get a chance to fight for a world title. In 1990, he lost a fight to former world champion Tony Tubbs. This result was later changed to a "no-decision" because Tubbs had used a banned substance.

After this, Orlin faced another loss. He was stopped in the 8th round by Bert Cooper after injuring his knee.

However, Orlin bounced back in 1990. He defeated future world champion Oliver McCall in a close fight. In 1991, he won his NABF title back by knocking out Lionel Washington in the first round. He then defended this title against Tony Tucker. Many people thought Orlin had won easily, but he lost in a very close and debated decision.

Becoming a Cruiserweight World Champion

After his fight with Tony Tucker, it became hard for Orlin Norris to find opponents in the heavyweight division. So, he decided to move down to a lighter weight class: Cruiserweight.

He won the USBA belt in this new division. In 1993, Orlin Norris won the vacant WBA cruiserweight title by beating Marcelo Victor Figueroa. He successfully defended his WBA title five times. These defenses included two wins against Arthur Williams and a victory over Adolpho Washington. Both Williams and Washington later became world champions themselves. Orlin also kept his title with a big win over James Heath in Mexico.

In 1995, Orlin Norris lost his WBA cruiserweight title to Nate Miller in London, England. He was knocked out in the 8th round. After the fight, he was taken to the hospital, but he left the next morning.

Returning to the Heavyweight Division

In 1996, Orlin Norris moved back up to the heavyweight division. He got a win against Tony Tucker, who he had lost to before. However, a long legal fight with boxing promoter Don King caused him to lose his chance to fight for the WBA heavyweight title.

Instead of fighting champion Evander Holyfield, Orlin had to fight Henry Akinwande. Akinwande won a close decision, and Orlin missed out on another heavyweight title shot.

In 1999, Orlin traveled to the UK and quickly knocked out Pele Reid in the first round. He was supposed to fight for the WBO title against Herbie Hide, but Hide pulled out of the fight at the last minute.

Orlin Norris fought Mike Tyson in 1999. After the first round, Tyson knocked Orlin down. Orlin injured his knee when he fell. He said he could not continue the fight, and the match was ruled a "no contest." This means the fight didn't count as a win or loss for either boxer. An MRI scan later showed that Orlin had a dislocated kneecap.

After this, Orlin Norris continued to fight but had more losses. He lost to Andrew Golota in 2000 and was knocked out by Vitali Klitschko in 2001. He also lost a 12-round fight to Brian Nielsen for the IBO title.

In 2005, he had a draw (a tie) with former champion Vassiliy Jirov. This fight brought some excitement back to his career.

Orlin Norris's Boxing Record Summary

See also

In Spanish: Orlin Norris para niños

• List of world cruiserweight boxing champions