Jaron `Boots` Ennis recently delivered an outstanding performance, fueling discussions about his quest for the undisputed welterweight title. This led to anticipation for a potential clash between Ennis, who holds the IBF and WBA belts, and fellow unbeaten American, WBO champion Brian Norman Jr.
However, that highly anticipated matchup will be postponed, as it was revealed today that Norman is set to travel to Japan to face the formidable Japanese contender, Jin Sasaki. Their bout will headline a Top Rank event featuring a double world title bill.
Norman was elevated from interim to full WBO world champion status last August after news broke that Terence Crawford had moved up to the super-welterweight division. Despite this, Norman Jr. didn`t make his first defense of the championship until this past March.
Although currently the youngest world champion in boxing at 24 years old, Norman appeared unfazed by the pressure of defending his belt. He validated his champion status with an impressive performance, stopping Derrick Cuevas within just four rounds.
It has now been confirmed that Norman will attempt the second defense of his WBO strap on June 19 in Tokyo. This fight promises an engaging clash of styles against the aggressive Sasaki. Speaking ahead of the event, the fighter from Georgia expressed his clear intention to `take over the world`.
“The king from the south comes to take over the world. I like how that sounds,” he stated.
He added, “On June 19, I’m ready to deliver a stellar performance and add another victorious chapter to ‘The Norman Experience.’”
The co-main event on the undercard features the vacant IBF light-flyweight world title bout, with Filipino southpaw Cristian Araneta facing Thailand’s Thanongsak Simsri, whose only professional loss came against former two-division champion Masamichi Yabuki.
Additionally, highly-regarded welterweight prospect Soro Tanaka, who boasts a perfect record with all wins by knockout, will aim to continue his impressive start in the professional ranks by challenging Takeru Kobata for the OPBF title in his fourth pro contest.
As for `Boots` Ennis, the WBA has mandated that the Philadelphia native defend his titles against mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov within 120 days. This development means a three-belt unification clash between Ennis and Norman could potentially occur later this year, given their now adjusted schedules.
