Brian Norman Jr. Takes WBO Title Defense To Japan Against Jin Sasaki On June 19th

WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. will defend against Jin Sasaki on June 19th, live on ESPN+ at the Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.

This fight wasn’t unexpected, as Sasaki called out Norman Jr, 24, after his victory over Derrieck Cuevas last month on March 29th in Las  Vegas. Norman Sr. liked the idea of his son defending against Sasaki because it’s a well-paying fight and it increases Brian Jr’s international appeal.

Norman Jr. will be fighting in Sasaki’s home country of Japan in front of a pro-Sasaki crowd on June 19th. So, if he’s expecting to be cheered like he’d been in the past, he can forget about that.

“Brian Norman Jr. is a motivated and talented champion who didn’t hesitate when offered this opportunity,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Jin Sasaki has power and punches in volume, and their styles will make for a dramatic, action-packed world title showdown.”

Making a Global Mark

This isn’t a fight that will create a lot of interest from U.S fans, because few have ever heard of Sasaki. Norman Jr. and his dad are focusing on the money and slowly building for the bigger fights. Brian Jr. isn’t popular enough for him to get the kind of purses and star treatment that he wants. He fought on an undercard in his last title defense against Cuevas.

Sinsaki has only lost once as a pro to Andy Hiraoka in 2021, and he’s looked good since. Power-wise, Sasaki could give Norman Jr. problems. His chin could hold him back from defeating Brian Jr.

Sasaki’s last five fights

– Shoki Sakai
– Qamil Balla
– Joe Noynay
– Hiroto Hoshi
– Keita Obara

Top Rank announced today that Norman Jr. 27-0, 21 KOs) will be traveling to Japan to defend against #2 WBO Sasaki (19-1-1, 17 KOs). What this means is there won’t be a unification fight next for Norman Jr. and IBF and WBA champion Jaron “Boots’ Ennis.

That’s a fight that Norman wants, but Ennis’ promoter Eddie Hearn failed to offer them a deal that they liked when they attempted to negotiate last year. That’s a fight that could happen soon if Hearn can get Turki Alalshikh to assist him with the money that it takes for Brian Jr. to agree.