Norman Knocks Out Sasaki in 5 Rounds

On June 19 in Japan, a WBO Welterweight (66.68 kg / 147 lbs) title bout took place. 24-year-old American Brian Norman (28-0, 22 KOs) made the second defense of his belt, facing 23-year-old Japanese fighter Jin Sasaki (19-2-1, 17 KOs).

Norman dropped Sasaki twice in the opening round, then delivered a devastating finish in the fifth, knocking out his opponent so brutally that Sasaki had to be carried out of the ring on a stretcher.

Sasaki entered the bout riding a strong streak — four stoppage wins in his last five fights. Norman, meanwhile, had knocked out his two previous opponents.