WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. makes himself at home in Tokyo on Thursday, 19 June, putting his 27-0 (21 KOs) record on the line against local slugger Jin Sasaki at Ota City General Gymnasium. ESPN+ starts its coverage at 4 am ET, with ring walks for U.S. viewers expected just after dawn. On paper, this match offers the 24-year-old Georgian a chance to lengthen his first title reign, avenge no grievances, and cash a road win, but the match has drawn a level of criticism equal to curiosity.
Many claim Norman is avoiding a much bigger assignment: An immediate unification battle with IBF/WBA champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis. They grew louder once Ennis vacated his titles and jumped to 154, leaving Norman to select a lesser-known opponent instead of taking the opportunity against a name opponent still in his camp. The online reaction has branded Norman's choice “ducking,” which he waves off, but which has clearly not left.
Watch the official weigh-in highlights: Watch
Norman maintained that the Sasaki detour is more tactical than evasive. “Eventually I will move up to 154 and make noise up there too,” he told Fighthype. He believes a Boots confrontation can “still happen” if they can each remain undefeated in a division above. But first, Norman has to contend with Sasaki, 23, who brings a record of 19-1-1 (17 KOs) with a history of fight-ending power, however little global recognition. Critics also note that Norman ignores ranked names like Rohan Polanco and Shakhram Giyasov, furthering the narrative that Norman is cashing an easier payday before climbing to new heights past the welter weight class.
Beyond Thursday, Norman speaks of capturing the WBC belt currently held by Mario Barrios, however, Barrios will surely favor his own crossover paydays with Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney regardless of how he comes out of his fight with Manny Pacquiao on 19 July. If Norman leaves Japan with his belt, but lacks clarity on the other champions, the “duck” narrative won't fade. And a defining victory, however, buys time and may keep the Boots storyline alive, even if an answer may come at ten pounds heavier.
Don't miss Norman Jr. vs. Sasaki event!
Image Credit: Naoki Fukuda