Brian Norman Jnr was respectful throughout the process but was also prepared to stand his ground.
The visiting WBO welterweight titlist maintained the composure of someone who's done this before. The same could not be said for Jin Sasaki, a first-time title challenger who was unsure how to handle himself during their staredown after both boxers made weight.
Norman and Sasaki each weighed 66.6 kg (roughly 146.8lbs) to make their title fight official. ESPN+ will air the four-fight stream live on Thursday, beginning at 4:00 a.m. ET from Ota-City General Gymnasium in Sasaki's hometown of Tokyo, Japan. Ring walks for the main event are expected to take place roughly 7:15 a.m. ET.
Sasaki made a point to remain in Norman's face after the American stared down his challenger. The two were separated without incident, though Norman broke away completely unbothered nor with any intention to create violence during a peaceful setting.
Norman, 27-0 (21 KOs) will attempt the second defense of the WBO 147lbs title he has held since last summer. The 24-year-old from the greater Atlanta, Georgia area claimed the interim version of the belt after a violent tenth-round knockout of Giovani Santillan in their clash of unbeaten welterweights last May 18 in San Diego, California.
An upgrade to full titleholder became official after Terence 'Bud' Crawford, 41-0 (31 KOs) abandoned his reign to compete in the 154lbs division.
A hand injury delayed Norman's first title defense by nearly five months. It was worth the wait, as he took out Puerto Rico's Derrieck Cuevas inside of three rounds on March 29 at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. He was joined backstage by Sasaki, who congratulated Norman on the win and then respectfully challenged him to a fight.
The two worked out terms inside of a month to provide Norman with his first career fight outside of North America.
Sasaki, 19-1-1 (17 KOs) will enter his first career title fight.
The moment is accompanied by a nine-fight unbeaten streak since his lone career defeat in October 2021. Sasaki previously stopped six straight opponents before he was extended the twelve-round distance by countryman Shoki Sakai, whom he outpointed in their January 24 regional title fight at nearby Ariake Arena.
In the evening’s second title fight, the Philippines Cristian Araneta 25-2 (20 KOs) and Thailand’s Thanongksak Simsri Simsri, 38-1 (34 KOs) both made weight as they bid for the vacant IBF junior flyweight belt.
The winner will claim the belt vacated by Masamichi Yabuki, who holds the IBF flyweight title and opted to not return to 108 lbs.
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as a senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home. Follow Jake on and .