Boxing: Sasaki to fight Norman for welterweight world title in June
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese welterweight boxer Jin Sasaki will get his first shot at a world title when he challenges WBO champion Brian Norman Jr. of the United States on June 19 in Tokyo, organizers said Friday.
If Sasaki, 23, ranked second by the World Boxing Organization, wins at Ota City General Gymnasium, he will become the first Japanese welterweight world champion under any sanctioning body.
"It feels like a dream to have been booked for such a great match," Sasaki said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. I'm going to win no matter what."
"I think I was born to make history for Japan. Norman is really strong, but I have a chance. I'm only thinking about knocking him out."
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