Brian Norman Jr. will put his WBO welterweight world title on the line against Japanese contender Jin Sasaki on June 19 in Tokyo, Japan. The undefeated 24-year-old champion, known as "The Assassin," faces another challenge in hostile territory as he continues his impressive run in the welterweight division.
The bout is scheduled for Ota City General Gymnasium, where Norman will attempt to extend his perfect 27-0 record (21 KOs) against the hard-hitting Sasaki, who brings an impressive 19-1-1 record with 17 knockouts.
Norman's journey to the championship has been remarkable. The Atlanta native began his professional career at just 17 years old, building his resume with early fights in Mexico before making his mark stateside. His breakthrough came earlier this year when he silenced San Diego fans with a statement 10th-round knockout of Giovani Santillan to claim the interim title before being elevated to full champion status.
Just three months ago, Norman dispatched Puerto Rican challenger Derrieck Cuevas in three rounds, demonstrating why he's considered one of boxing's brightest young stars.
Sasaki presents a formidable challenge. The Japanese fighter has been perfect as a welterweight, compiling nine wins with seven knockouts since his only career defeat. He claimed the WBO Asia Pacific title in January 2023 with a first-round destruction of Ryota Toyoshima and has successfully defended it five times.
Interestingly, Sasaki went the full 12-round distance for the first time in January, earning a decision victory over Shoki Sakai on the undercard of Naoya Inoue's fight against Ye Joon Kim.
The event, which will stream live on ESPN+ in the U.S. beginning at 4 a.m. ET, features a stacked undercard. Japanese prospect Sora Tanaka (3-0, 3 KOs) will face veteran Takeru Kobata (14-7-1, 6 KOs) for the vacant OPBF welterweight title, while Cristian Araneta and Thanongsak Simsri will battle for the vacant IBF junior flyweight world title.
Can Norman continue his dominant run against a dangerous opponent in Sasaki's home country? The young champion's growing reputation as a clinical finisher will be put to the test in what promises to be an intriguing international showdown.
