Who Will Brian Norman Jr Fight Next After Knocking Out Jin Sasaki

Austin Jones
Jun 19
4 min read

Who Will Brian Norman Jr Fight Next After Knocking Out Jin Sasaki

In an electrifying spectacle at the Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Brian Norman Jr (28-0, 22 KOs) put on a masterclass performance to retain his WBO welterweight title against Japan's Jin Sasaki (19-2-1, 17 KOs) on June 19, 2025. The fight, which was broadcast live on ESPN+, delivered a knockout that has already been hailed as a "KO of the Year" contender.

Round-by-Round Breakdown: A Relentless Assault

From the opening bell, Norman demonstrated why he's one of the top contenders in the welterweight division. The 28-year-old fighter quickly imposed his will, landing a series of crisp and clean left hooks that put Sasaki on the canvas twice in the first round.

Despite Sasaki's resilience, which had earned him a reputation as a tough and capable opponent, Norman continued to control the pace of the fight. Every round saw Norman landing solid right hands and uppercuts, leaving Sasaki with little room to breathe. The Japanese challenger attempted to rally, but it was clear that he was facing a fighter on a different level.

The Moment of Glory: Round 5 KO

By the fifth round, it was apparent that Sasaki was struggling to keep up with the overwhelming power and precision of Norman’s shots. Then, with a swift and lethal left hook, Norman sent Sasaki crashing to the canvas—this time, there was no recovery. Sasaki hit the mat hard, and the fight was immediately stopped as medical staff rushed to his aid.

The knockout was cold and definitive. Sasaki, who had shown tremendous heart up until that point, was unable to continue, and was stretchered out of the ring as the crowd erupted in disbelief. While there have been no immediate updates on his condition, the scene was an unfortunate reminder of the dangers that come with the sport.

The Aftermath: Praise and Future Prospects

Following the stunning knockout, Norman’s performance has been widely praised by fans and analysts alike. Top Rank's Bob Arum was quick to label Norman's knockout as a "KO of the Year" contender, a sentiment echoed by boxing insiders across the world.

In his post-fight interview, Norman expressed respect for Sasaki's heart and fighting spirit. “Jin Sasaki is a warrior, and he pushed me harder than anyone expected," Norman said. "But I knew I had to finish strong. This is just the beginning for me.”

With his WBO title safely defended, Norman is now one of the most dangerous figures in the welterweight division. As the division continues to evolve, Norman is positioning himself for major unification bouts later in the year, especially with the move of Jaron “Boots” Ennis to the super welterweight ranks.

What's Next for Brian Norman Jr.?

With Ennis no longer in the picture for potential title unifications, Norman is poised to face the top names in the welterweight division. His dominant victory over Sasaki further solidified his standing as one of the sport’s top fighters, and the buzz around his potential future matchups is growing louder.

Norman’s camp is already eyeing a return to the ring in the fall, possibly in October or November 2025, as he seeks to add more belts to his collection. Fans will undoubtedly be eagerly anticipating what comes next for the talented fighter, who has now made a strong case as the future of the welterweight division.

Speculating Brian Norman Jr.'s Next Opponent: Who's in Line for the WBO Welterweight Champion?

Following his stunning fifth-round knockout of Jin Sasaki in Tokyo, Brian Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs) has solidified his position as a dominant force in the welterweight division. With his WBO title successfully defended, the question arises: who will be his next challenger?

1. Mario Barrios (WBC Champion)

Currently holding the WBC welterweight title, Mario Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) presents a compelling matchup for Norman Jr. A unification bout between the two could crown an undisputed welterweight champion. Barrios' aggressive style and knockout power would test Norman Jr.'s resilience and skill. This fight would undoubtedly capture the attention of boxing fans worldwide.

2. Eimantas Stanionis (IBF Champion)

The IBF welterweight titleholder, Eimantas Stanionis (15-1-1, 9 KOs), is another potential opponent. Stanionis' technical prowess and undefeated record make him a formidable contender. A bout between Norman Jr. and Stanionis would not only unify the titles but also showcase a clash of styles, with Norman Jr.'s power against Stanionis' precision.

3. Conor Benn

Rising star Conor Benn (27-0, 20 KOs) has been making waves in the welterweight division. His aggressive approach and undefeated record make him an intriguing prospect for Norman Jr. A fight between the two could serve as a passing of the torch, with Benn looking to establish himself among the elite.

4. Shakhram Giyasov

Shakhram Giyasov (17-0, 10 KOs) is another undefeated contender who could pose a challenge to Norman Jr. Known for his technical skills and composure in the ring, Giyasov's style could test Norman Jr.'s adaptability and strategy.

5. Rohan Polanco

Rohan Polanco (15-0, 10 KOs) is a rising talent in the welterweight division. His undefeated record and potential for growth make him a future contender for Norman Jr.'s title. While not an immediate threat, Polanco's development in the coming months could set the stage for a significant matchup.

A Star in the Making

Brian Norman Jr.’s win over Jin Sasaki wasn’t just a title defense—it was a statement. The young champion has proven that he’s ready for the biggest challenges in the welterweight division. His power, skill, and tactical approach to the fight make him a force to be reckoned with, and it’s clear that Norman is on a trajectory for greatness.

As we look toward the rest of 2025, keep an eye on Brian Norman Jr. as he aims for unification and dominance in the welterweight division. This knockout may have just been the start of something huge.