Orlin Norris

Last updated
Orlin Norris
Born
Orlin Levance Norris

(1965-10-04) October 4, 1965 (age 59)
Lubbock, Texas, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Other namesNight Train/The Juice
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 9+12 in (177 cm)
Reach70 in (178 cm)
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights70
Wins57
Wins by KO30
Losses10
Draws1
No contests2

Orlin Levance Norris (born October 4, 1965) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1986 to 2005. He held the WBA cruiserweight title from 1993 to 1995. As an amateur, he won the National Golden Gloves title. He is the brother of retired former champion Terry Norris.

Contents

Professional career

Heavyweight contender

Norris turned pro in 1986 as a heavyweight and became a highly ranked and much avoided contender. In 1988 he won the NABF heavyweight title with a decision over the towering Larry Alexander, and followed it up with more easy points wins over respected challengers Renaldo Snipes, Jesse Ferguson, and ex-world champion Greg Page (boxer).

Page had been considered as an opponent for Evander Holyfield; however, after defeating Page, the shot was not offered to Norris. In 1990 he was outboxed by crafty ex-world champion Tony Tubbs (a decision later changed to a no-decision after Tubbs tested positive for an illegal substance), and followed up that momentum killer with a further loss, an 8th-round TKO to hard hitting Bert Cooper, where Norris was decked in the 8th round and twisted his knee, unable to continue.

In 1990 Norris regained some ground by beating future world champion Oliver McCall by split decision, and in 1991 regained his NABF title with a first-round knockout of Lionel Washington. He defended the title against ex-world champion Tony Tucker; however, he lost on a controversial split decision, after it appeared Norris had outboxed his giant opponent rather easily.

Cruiserweight World Champion

After the Tucker performance, Norris struggled to find contenders who would risk fighting him, and was forced to move down a division, into the cruiserweights. Having won the USBA belt in that division, in 1993 Norris beat Marcelo Victor Figueroa to capture the vacant WBA cruiserweight title [1] and went on to successfully defend the title five times, including two wins over Arthur Williams and a victory over Adolpho Washington (two future world champs). Norris also retained his WBA Cruiserweight title in Mexico with a crushing win over fellow American James Heath.

In 1995 the weight draining caught up with Norris, as a very sluggish, strange performance saw him lose his belt to Nate Miller via 8th-round KO in London, England. Norris was hospitalised after the fight although he checked himself out the following morning.

Return to heavyweight

In 1996 he moved back up to heavyweight and scored a revenge win over an aging Tony Tucker. However, a long legal battle with Don King saw him lose his WBA mandatory #1 challenger status and instead of a challenge to King-promoted champion Evander Holyfield, [2] Norris was forced to fight 6'7" King-managed heavyweight Henry Akinwande in an eliminator. Akinwande stayed at long range and scraped a decision over Norris. Once again a heavyweight title fight escaped Norris.

In 1999 he travelled to the UK and demolished colourful prospect Pele Reid in one round, but Herbie Hide pulled out of a WBO title fight with Norris at the last minute.

Norris fought Mike Tyson in 1999. After the first round ended, Tyson knocked Norris down with a left hook and Norris injured his knee when he went down, although he walked back to his corner in a normal manner, showing no discomfort. Norris said he was unable to continue the fight and the bout was ruled a no contest. After the fight, Norris received an MRI scan at the Valley Hospital Medical Center and was diagnosed with a dislocated kneecap. Nevada State Athletic Commission physician Dr. Flip Homansky confirmed that the scan "clearly shows the path his kneecap took" as he fell and then got back up, popping it back into place. Tyson accused Norris of throwing the match. [3] Norris was an aging fighter by the time he came back in 2000, outscored by Andrew Golota, and in 2001 making little effort and collapsing in sixty seconds against Vitali Klitschko in Germany, and losing a 12-round decision to Brian Nielsen in Denmark for the IBO title.

In 2005, he scored a draw with former champion Vassiliy Jirov, injecting some life back into his career.

Professional boxing record

70 fights57 wins10 losses
By knockout304
By decision276
Draws1
No contests2
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
70Loss57–10–1 (2) Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Ola Afolabi KO7 (8)03/11/2005 Flag of the United States.svg 4th and B, San Diego, California, U.S.
69Draw57–9–1 (2) Flag of Kazakhstan.svg Vassiliy Jirov MD821/07/2005 Flag of the United States.svg Palace Indian Gaming Center, Lemoore, California, U.S.
68Loss57–9 (2) Flag of Poland.svg Albert Sosnowski MD828/05/2005 Flag of the United States.svg Staples Center, Los Angeles, California U.S.
67Win57–8 (2) Flag of the United States.svg Ken MurphyTKO6 (8)01/10/2004 Flag of the United States.svg Spotlight 29 Casino, Coachella, California, U.S.
66Win56–8 (2) Flag of the United States.svg Mike PeakUD819/06/2004 Flag of the United States.svg Home Depot Center, Carson, California, U.S.
65Win55–8 (2) Flag of Brazil.svg Roberto CoelhoUD813/05/2004 Flag of the United States.svg Sports Arena, San Diego, California, U.S.
64Win54–8 (2) Flag of the United States.svg Troy WeidaTKO3 (10)13/06/2003 Flag of the United States.svg Chinook Winds Casino, Lincoln City, Oregon, U.S.
63Win53–8 (2) Flag of the United States.svg Harry FunmakerTKO5 (10)15/03/2003 Flag of the United States.svg Ho-Chunk Casino, Baraboo, Wisconsin, U.S.
62Loss52–8 (2) Flag of Denmark.svg Brian Nielsen UD1216/06/2001 Flag of Denmark.svg Brøndbyhallen, Copenhagen, DenmarkFor IBC Heavyweight title
61Win52–7 (2) Flag of the United States.svg Brian YatesUD824/04/2001 Flag of the United States.svg Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
60Loss51–7 (2) Flag of Ukraine.svg Vitali Klitschko KO1 (12)27/01/2001 Flag of Germany.svg Rudi-Sedlmayer-Halle, Munich, GermanyFor vacant WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight title
59Win51–6 (2) Flag of the United States.svg Bradley RoneUD1002/11/2000 Flag of the United States.svg Coeur d'Alene Casino, Worley, Idaho, U.S.
58Loss50–6 (2) Flag of Poland.svg Andrew Golota UD1016/06/2000 Flag of the United States.svg Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
57NC50–5 (2) Flag of the United States.svg Mike Tyson NC1 (10) 23/10/1999 Flag of the United States.svg MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
56Win50–5 (1) Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Pelé Reid KO1 (8) 26/06/1999 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg London Arena, Millwall, London, U.K.
55Win49–5 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Nate Miller UD1206/08/1998 Flag of the United States.svg Grand Casino Avoyelles, Marksville, Louisiana, U.S.Retained IBA super cruiserweight title
54Win48–5 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Adolpho Washington UD1222/05/1998 Flag of the United States.svg Glen Stock Arena, Monroe, Michigan, U.S.Won vacant IBA super cruiserweight title
53Loss47–5 (1) Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Henry Akinwande UD1213/12/1997 Flag of the United States.svg Amphitheater, Pompano Beach, Florida, U.S.
52Win47–4 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Marion Wilson SD1014/11/1996 Flag of the United States.svg Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, Maryland, U.S.
51Win46–4 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Jeff PeguesKO1 (?)12/10/1996 Flag of Italy.svg Forum di Assago, Milan, Italy
50Win45–4 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Tony Tucker SD1024/02/1996 Flag of the United States.svg Richmond Coliseum, Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
49Win44–4 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Cleveland WoodsRTD6 (10)10/02/1996 Flag of the United States.svg MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
48Loss43–4 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Nate Miller KO8 (12)22/07/1995 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg London Arena, Millwall, London, U.K.Lost WBA cruiserweight title
47Win43–3 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Adolpho Washington UD1217/03/1995 Flag of the United States.svg Memorial Auditorium, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.Retained WBA cruiserweight title
46Win42–3 (1) Flag of the United States.svg James Heath KO2 (12)12/11/1994 Flag of Mexico.svg Plaza de Toros, Mexico City, MexicoRetained WBA cruiserweight title
45Win41–3 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Arthur Williams TKO3 (12)02/07/1994 Flag of the United States.svg The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBA cruiserweight title
44Win40–3 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Arthur Williams SD1204/03/1994 Flag of the United States.svg MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBA cruiserweight title
43Win39–3 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Art Jimmerson TKO4 (?)09/01/1994 Flag of the United States.svg Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, California, U.S.
42Win38–3 (1) Flag of Argentina.svg Marcelo Victor FigueroaTKO6 (12)06/11/1993 Flag of France.svg Cirque d'hiver, Paris, FranceWon vacant WBA cruiserweight title
41Win37–3 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Jack BastingTKO4 (10)19/08/1993 Flag of the United States.svg Mathewson Exhibition Center, Sedalia, Missouri, U.S.The bout was stopped due to Basting's badly swollen left eye.
40Win36–3 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Richard MasonUD1223/04/1993 Flag of the United States.svg The Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.Retained NABF Cruiserweight title
39Win35–3 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Troy JeffersonTKO2 (8)06/02/1993 Flag of the United States.svg Sports Arena, San Diego, California, U.S.
38Win34–3 (1) Flag of the United States.svg David SewellTKO5 (12)25/11/1992 Flag of the United States.svg Riviera Hotel & Casino, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Retained NABF Cruiserweight title
37Win33–3 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Keith McMurrayKO2 (?)27/05/1992 Flag of the United States.svg Sports Arena, San Diego, California, U.S.
36Win32–3 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Anthony Hembrick TKO8 (12)25/03/1992 Flag of the United States.svg Sports Arena, San Diego, California, U.S.Retained NABF Cruiserweight title
35Win31–3 (1) Flag of the United States.svg James Pritchard PTS813/12/1991 Flag of France.svg Palais Omnisport de Paris-Bercy, Bercy, Paris, France
34Win30–3 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Jesse ShelbyTD10 (12)17/08/1991 Flag of the United States.svg Sports Arena, San Diego, California, U.S.Won vacant NABF Cruiserweight title
33Loss29–3 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Tony Tucker SD12 03/06/1991 Flag of the United States.svg Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Lost NABF heavyweight title
32Win29–2 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Lionel WashingtonTKO1 (12)30/04/1991 Flag of the United States.svg Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.Won vacant NABF heavyweight title
31Win28–2 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Jamie HoweTKO7 (10) 09/02/1991 Flag of the United States.svg Madison Square Garden, New York, U.S.
30Win27–2 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Tony WillisRTD9 (10)11/12/1990 Flag of the United States.svg Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
29Win26–2 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Oliver McCall SD1017/11/1990 Flag of the United States.svg Lee County Civic Center, Fort Myers, U.S.
28Win25–2 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Henry HearnsKO1 (?)17/11/1990 Flag of the United States.svg Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
27Win24–2 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Greg GorrellTKO8 (10)25/09/1990 Flag of the United States.svg Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
26Win23–2 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Danny WoffordTKO10 (10)28/08/1990 Flag of the United States.svg Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
25Loss22–2 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Bert Cooper TKO8 (10)17/02/1990 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Northlands Coliseum, Edmonton, CanadaLost NABF heavyweight title
24NC22–1 (1) Flag of the United States.svg Tony Tubbs NC1221/11/1989 Flag of the United States.svg Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, California, U.S.Retained NABF heavyweight title
23Win22–1 Flag of the United States.svg Dee CollierUD1201/08/1989 Flag of the United States.svg Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Retained NABF heavyweight title
22Win21–1 Flag of the United States.svg Greg Page UD1225/04/1989 Flag of the United States.svg Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Retained NABF heavyweight title
21Win20–1 Flag of the United States.svg Jesse Ferguson UD1215/11/1988 Flag of the United States.svg El Cortez Hotel, San Diego, California, U.S.Retained NABF heavyweight title
20Win19–1 Flag of the United States.svg Dwain BondsUD1227/07/1988 Flag of the United States.svg Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.Retained NABF heavyweight title
19Win18–1 Flag of the United States.svg Andrew StokesPTS1027/05/1988 Flag of the United States.svg Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
18Win17–1 Flag of the United States.svg Renaldo Snipes UD1219/03/1988 Flag of the United States.svg Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained NABF heavyweight title
17Win16–1 Flag of the United States.svg Woody ClarkKO1 (10)23/02/1988 Flag of the United States.svg Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
16Win15–1 Flag of the United States.svg Larry AlexanderMD1225/11/1987 Flag of the United States.svg Bally's, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won NABF heavyweight title
15Win14–1 Flag of the United States.svg Billy Joe ThomasTKO3 (?)04/09/1987 Flag of the United States.svg Bally's, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
14Win13–1 Flag of the United States.svg John BarbierKO1 (10)13/08/1987 Flag of the United States.svg Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
13Win12–1 Flag of the United States.svg Gary LightbourneUD1027/05/1987 Flag of the United States.svg Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
12Win11–1 Flag of the United States.svg Eddie RichardsonKO2 (10)03/04/1987 Flag of the United States.svg Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
11Win10–1 Flag of the United States.svg Avery RawlsPTS1020/03/1987 Flag of the United States.svg Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
10Win9–1 Flag of the United States.svg Mike GansKO7 (10)26/02/1987 Flag of the United States.svg El Cortez Hotel, San Diego, California, U.S.
9Win8–1 Flag of the United States.svg Rufus HadleyUD1012/02/1987 Flag of the United States.svg Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
8Win7–1 Flag of the United States.svg Roger TroupeKO2 (6)05/02/1987 Flag of the United States.svg Raincross Square, Riverside, California, U.S.
7Win6–1 Flag of the United States.svg David SmithUD421/11/1986 Flag of the United States.svg Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
6Win5–1 Flag of the United States.svg Mike BardwellUD628/10/1986 Flag of the United States.svg Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
5Win4–1 Flag of the United States.svg Ricky ReeseTKO1 (6)25/09/1986 Flag of the United States.svg Marriott Hotel, Irvine, California, U.S.
4Win3–1 Flag of the United States.svg Ray MitchellUD418/09/1986 Flag of the United States.svg El Cortez Hotel, San Diego, California, U.S.
3Loss2–1 Flag of the United States.svg Olian AlexanderPTS402/08/1986 Flag of the United States.svg Civic Auditorium, San Jose, California, U.S.
2Win2–0 Flag of the United States.svg Levi BillupsKO1 (4)25/07/1986 Flag of the United States.svg Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California, U.S.
1Win1–0 Flag of the United States.svg Lionel WashingtonKO3 (?)16/06/1986 Flag of the United States.svg Civic Auditorium, Bakersfield, California, U.S.

See also

References

  1. "Orlin Norris wins WBA cruiserweight title". United Press International. Retrieved 2022-09-17.
  2. "Norris settles lawsuit against Don King and WBA". AP NEWS. Associated Press. Retrieved 2022-09-18.
  3. "Boxing suffers another blow as Tyson loses plot". Irish Independent. 24 October 1999. Retrieved 2022-09-17.
Sporting positions
Amateur boxing titles
Previous:
Jerry Goff
Golden Gloves
Heavyweight champion

1986
Next:
Dave Sherbrooke
Regional boxing titles
Preceded by
Larry Alexander
NABF Heavyweight champion
November 25, 1987 – February 17, 1990
Succeeded by
Vacant
Title last held by
Ray Mercer
NABF Heavyweight champion
April 30, 1991 – June 3, 1991
Succeeded by
Vacant
Title last held by
James Warring
NABF Cruiserweight champion
August 17, 1991 – 1993
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Thomas Hearns
World boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Bobby Czyz
WBA Cruiserweight champion
November 6, 1993 – July 22, 1995
Next:
Nate Miller