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Boxing Insiders Predict Norman Jr. Vs. Sasaki – ‘That Will Be His Downfall’

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 10:02 AM ET

Boxing insiders gave their predictions for Brian Norman Jr. vs. Jin Sasaki’s WBO Welterweight Title fight.

Norman Jr. defends his belt in his first fight in Japan, having stopped Derrieck Cuevas in his last fight. The win took his record to 27-0, with 21 knockouts. Norman Jr. has been linked with unifications against Jaron Ennis, who holds the WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine Belts. However, Ennis will move up to 154, making that less likely.

There is also a possible fight against the winner of Mario Barrios vs. Manny Pacquiao, given Norman Jr.’s desire to face Pacman. Sasaki only has one loss to his name, but remains undefeated at 147. He has a 19–1-0 record, with 17 stoppages. He has racked up six KOs in his previous seven bouts, having beaten Shoki Sakai in his last bout. Here is how boxing insiders saw the fight playing out.

Predictions

“Brian Norman has a tough fight against Sasaki. [Sasaki promoter] Akihiko Honda tells me he gives the Japanese guy a big chance to win the fight, so we’ll have to see. Instead of looking ahead with Brian Norman, look at what’s in front of him in Tokyo and hope that he’s able to pull it out,” Bob Arum said

“I think he’s [Norman] the full package. He obviously needs to keep getting experience, and this is the next step. Not only is it experience with the style of fighter and the talent he’s facing, but it’s also about going on the road, proving he can do it, and dealing with all the elements that come with that.

“Sasaki isn’t as technically skilled, but he is a strong, explosive, and game fighter who throws a lot of left hooks. He fights in spurts. It’s like when you’re caught in a rain shower: one minute it’s sunny and calm, and then suddenly, bang! The clouds open up, and there’s a torrential burst of rain. That’s Sasaki. At the end of the day, I think Norman’s defense, his overall technique, and his overall ability and package will get the job done. The thing that will be Sasaki’s downfall,” Teddy Atlas stated

“I’ve got Norman, right? I mean, here we are, an all-American podcast, of course, but that’s what the audience is going to say, “Of course, he’s picking Norman.” But no, Sasaki is a really good, really dangerous offensive fighter. The problem is he gets hit, and he’s been down in a couple of fights.

“I think it’s going to be a shootout, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Norman has to get off the canvas or at least has to make it through some scary moments. Because Sasaki is going to make it a kill-or-be-killed kind of fight. Norman likes that kind of fight, but I suspect in this fight he’ll have to use his IQ a little bit, he’ll have to use his athleticism a little bit. He’ll probably have to withstand some scary moments, and as long as he can do that, I think he winds up putting Sasaki on his back,” Sean Zittel

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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