WBO welterweight world champion Brian Norman Jr. showed why he is a force in the welterweight division on Thursday at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.
Norman had maybe the knockout of the year as he knocked out Jin Sasaki cold with a vicious left hook to get the impressive stoppage win in the fifth round.
Sasaki would lay on the canvas motionless before being taken away on a stretcher, but reportedly, he is okay.
In his second title defense, Norman (28-0. 22 KOs) was the best man from start to finish. The 24-year-old showed his skill and power in the opening minute of the fight, dropping Sasaki (19-2-1, 17 KOs) with a left hook to the top of the head. Norman notched another knockdown at the end of the round, but Sasaki survived and threw back in the face of the storm.
After the first round, you knew Sasaki would have a hard time standing up to Norman’s power, and ultimately, things would come to an end in Round 5.
“It was a wonderful fight. I had a great opponent in front of me. You all seen he got heart. That boy is not a slouch at all. I give nothing but props to him. I love ya’ll over here in Japan. I’d gladly come back,” Norman said after the win. “I knew whatever he was bringing to the table, I’m a champion for a reason. As you saw, I showed that.”
Unified 147-pound champion Jaron Ennis recently announced that he’s moving up to 154, and Norman believes Ennis is running from him.
“I wish I had a certain fight coming up {against Jaron “Boots” Ennis}, Norman said. “They heard B. Norm the storm is coming, and you know what happens when a storm is coming. You grab your boots and run. We shall see what’s next for me.”
This was a significant win for Norman, showcasing his skills and potential in the welterweight division. While a fight with Ennis may not be next, Norman’s future in the 147-pound category is promising, and fans can look forward to more thrilling matches from him.
