Norman dominated the June 20th fight at the Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo. The American boxer knocked Sasaki down twice in the first 4 rounds.
In the fifth round, Norman landed a left hook to Sasaki's jaw, knocking him unconscious and winning the fight.
The back of Sasaki's head hit the canvas hard, and medical staff quickly attended to him as the referee began the count. The Japanese boxer remained motionless for over a minute before being carried out of the ring and taken to a hospital, where he underwent a series of neurological tests.
Scans revealed no serious brain injury, and Sasaki was discharged the same day. However, according to Sasaki's gym manager, Issei Nakaya, the knockout resulted in 6 weeks of amnesia. Sasaki doesn't even remember fighting Norman.
As an amateur, Sasaki had a record of one win and three losses. His professional record stands at 19 wins, two losses, and one draw.
Sasaki was previously knocked out by Andy Hiraoka in a 2021 Japanese super lightweight (61.2-63.5 kg) title fight. In January 2023, he competed for the WBO Asia Pacific welterweight title at Korakuen Hall, winning by technical knockout against champion Ryota Toyoshima in the first round.
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Jin Sasaki lies unconscious after being knocked out by Brian Norman during their WBO welterweight title fight at the Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo on 20/6. Photo: USA Today |
Jin Sasaki lies unconscious after being knocked out by Brian Norman during their WBO welterweight title fight at the Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo on 20/6. Photo: USA Today
Norman became the interim WBO welterweight champion after defeating Giovani Santillan in May 2024. He became the undisputed champion when Terence Crawford moved up to the super welterweight (66.7-69.9 kg) division.
In 3/2025, Norman successfully defended his title with a technical knockout victory over Derrieck Cuevas. The American boxer remains undefeated as a professional, with 28 wins and two no contests.
Hong Duy (The Sun)
