Undefeated WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. is just days away from defining the term “World Champion” as he faces Jin Sasaki on Thursday live from the land of the rising sun.
The 24-year-old Norman (27-0, 21 KOs) will be making the second defense of his title, which has been the center of conversations throughout social media. He and his team have been heavily scrutinized for not taking the unification fight with Jaron “Boots” Ennis. The jury is still out whether that was a smart move or not, as Ennis’ promoter, Eddie Hearn, recently told FightHub that his fighter is heading to junior middleweight after spending years at 147.
Norman may miss out on the Ennis fight, but that doesn’t mean he won’t have a chance to become a unified champion at 147. Either way, Norman has to beat Sasaki (19-1-1, 17 KOs) on ESPN+ in Japan so that he can see what makeable fights are available for him in the future.
Below, you will find the latest betting odds for the fight on Thursday and quotes from Norman’s media workout.
Brian Norman Jr. vs Jin Sasaki Betting Odds
Per DraftKings SportsBook, Brian Norman Jr. is the favorite at -525, and Jin Sasaki is the underdog at +370.
Looking to bet on Brian Norman Jr. vs. Jin Sasaki? Head over to my dedicated page at signupexpert.com/fightsATW to sign up to some of boxing’s best sportsbooks. Right now DraftKings Sportsbooks is offering bet $5 & get $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins to new users. Already have DraftKings Sportsbook? No problem, you can sign up to any sportsbook in your region through the link in the description!
Brian Norman Jr. Media Workout Press Release
“I am the true definition of a ‘world’ champion,” said Norman (27-0, 21 KOs), who recently re-signed with Fighters First Management to continue guiding his career. “That’s what being a champion is about. I’m honored to showcase my talents all across the world, no matter the location or terrain.”
Having arrived in Japan weeks ago, Norman does not believe that preparing to fight outside of North America for the first time as a pro has had any hindrance on his training.
“There really hasn’t been any adjustment required, training is training no matter the location,” said Norman, who’s trained by his father Brian Norman Sr. “I’ve been doing this all my life. You don’t have to change how you walk just because you’re in another country…This camp has been amazing. I fought three months ago, so I came into this camp already sharp and in shape. I’d love to stay this active and be a true champion for the people.”
The 24-year-old Norman will take on the 23-year-old Sasaki (19-1-1, 17 KOs), who’s undefeated since he began fighting at 147 pounds full time in 2022. Although Sasaki enters this fight on a seven-bout winning streak, Norman is confident that his studying of his opponent will allow him to leave victorious.
“I know Sasaki’s habits, techniques and anything he wants to do,” said Norman. “There’s nothing he can do to surprise me besides grow a third arm. I’m expecting him to fight harder than he ever has before because of the magnitude of this fight, but the end result will still be the same. I came with my belt and I’m leaving with my belt.”
A native of Decatur, Georgia, Norman has relished the fan following that has continued to grow as his career continues to burgeon, and promises them a satisfying ending on Thursday.
“I don’t care where I fight or who I fight, the fans always motivate me to go 10 times harder,” said Norman. “They’re the reason I train so hard. You will not be disappointed at all, even if it’s over quickly.”
After winning the title with a 10th-round knockout of Giovani Santillan in May 2024, Norman most recently defended his belt with a third-round stoppage of Derrieck Cuevas on March 29. As he continues to show off the prodigious talent that’s made him a champion at such a young age, Norman believes he will continue his ascent and ultimately end up making a long-lasting impact in the sport.
“My main improvement since becoming champion has been my mentality, and I will keep improving on it,” said Norman. “That’s what separates the goods from the greats. I truly believe I am unstoppable and will go down in history as THAT guy.”
Discover more from Fights Around The World
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
