Brian Norman Jr Defends Set to Defend Title in Japan vs. Jin Sasaki

WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. (27-0, 21 KOs) will make the second defense of his world title as he goes overseas to go up against Japanese contender Jin Sasaki (19-1-1, 17 KOs) on Thursday, June 19, at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan live on ESPN+

“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.”

“The king from the south comes to take over the world. I like how that sounds,” Norman said. “On June 19, I’m ready to put on a stellar performance and write another triumphant chapter of ‘The Norman Experience.’”

In the co-feature, Cristian Araneta (25-2, 20 KOs) and Thanongsak Simsri (38-1, 34 KOs) will vie for the vacant IBF junior flyweight world title.

And, in a 12-round welterweight tilt, Japanese wunderkind Sora Tanaka (3-0, 3 KOs) will fight southpaw veteran Takeru Kobata (14-7-1, 6 KOs) for the vacant OPBF title.