Norman KO's Sasaki in 5

Photo - Naoki Fukuda

WBO welterweight world champion Brian Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs) of Atlanta successfully defended his WBO title for a second time with a fifth-round knockout of hometown challenger Jin Sasaki (19-2-1, 17 KOs) on Thursday at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.

Norman dropped Sasaki a pair of times in the opening round. The action continued with Sasak charging and trading with the champ. However in the fifth, a huge left hook by Norman knocked Sasaki out cold as the referee stopped the fight at 46 seconds of the fifth.

Retaining his title, Norman called out champion Jaron "Boots" Ennis

“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. “I knew whatever he was bringing to the table, I’m a champion for a reason. As you saw, I showed that.”

Norman said, “I wish I had a certain fight coming up {against Jaron "Boots" Ennis}. 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."