Norman Jr. Vs. Sasaki: Is Brian Norman Jr. Ducking ‘Boots’ Ennis?

Brian Norman Jr. is confident that he’ll defeat #2 contender Jin Sasaki on Thursday night, June 19th, and leave Tokyo with his WBO welterweight title still in his possession after defending it at the Ota City General Gymnasium.

Norman Jr. Ducks Ennis Challenge

This is the fight that Norman Jr. (27-0, 21 KOs) wanted, choosing it over a unification clash against IBF and WBA welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. He chose the easy fight rather than risking his soft hide going against Boots.

The reaction from fans has been negative to Norman avoiding Ennis, and taking the lackluster fight against Sasaki instead. There’s no way that Brian and his dad, Norman Sr., can whitewash this move because fans see it for what it is—a duck job. 

The Norman Jr. vs. Sasaki event will be shown live on ESPN+ at 4:00 P.M. ET/1:00 P.M. PT. Norman Jr-Sasaki ring walks will be around 7:15 A.M. ET/4:15 A.M. PT.

“No Missed Opportunity” Defense

“I don’t see it as a missed opportunity. Eventually, I’ll move up to 154 and start making noise up there as well,” said Brian Norman Jr. to Fighthype about a fight between him and Jaron Ennis. “If he keeps doing his thing at 154, we can still make that fight happen.”

It doesn’t matter what excuses Norman Jr. makes. Fans already believe he ducked ‘Boots’ Ennis. What makes Brian Jr. look worse is that he chose to defend his WBO title against the little-known Jin Sasaki rather than one of the well-known contenders, like Rohan Polanco, Karen Chukhadzhian, and Shakhram Giyasov.

Choosing Sasaki, 23, is seen as a low-risk fight, designed for Norman Jr. to get an easy payday. It reinforces the belief fans have that he lacks courage, ducked Ennis, and is milking his WBO title against lesser opposition.

Norman Jr.’s Deluded Title Hopes

“Maybe, but the WBC belt will be mine,” said Norman when asked if undisputed is his goal at 147. I know I’m going to win. I came out here for a reason. I came here with my belt and I’m leaving with my belt.”

Norman Jr. sounds deluded. WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios will NEVER agree to fight him. If Barrios defeats Manny Pacquiao next month on July 19th, he’ll sit on his WBC title and wait for a big name, like Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, or Conor Benn, to fight him. There’s a lot more money for Barrios to make fighting those guys than if he were to face Norman.