 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.