Contender for Knockout of the Year delivers brutal KO, rendering boxing champion unconscious on stretcher
In a recent turn of events, Brian Norman Jr has been elevated to the full world champion status in the welterweight division, following Terence Crawford's decision to vacate the title. This newfound status has sparked conversations about a potential matchup with undefeated American boxer Jaron Ennis.
However, those conversations have come to a halt as Ennis has officially vacated his IBF welterweight title. The reason behind this move is Ennis' decision to move up in weight from welterweight (147 lbs) to super welterweight (154 lbs). This weight class change and his pursuit of new challenges at a higher division mean a fight with Brian Norman Jr is no longer on the cards at this time.
The potential storm that caused the Ennis fight to fall through was likely the commitment Brian Norman Jr had already made to face Jin Sasaki in Tokyo, Japan. In a spectacular display, Norman Jr scored a brutal knockout in round five, flattening Sasaki with a booming left hook. Sasaki was left unconscious for over a minute after the knockout and was subsequently taken to the hospital.
The win improved Norman Jr's record to 28-0 with 22 knockouts and saw him claim the interim WBO welterweight belt by dispatching Giovani Santillan last May. Following his victory over Sasaki, Norman Jr did not confirm any specific future fight, but he expressed hope for a potential bout in October or November.
Jaron Ennis, the former IBF and WBA welterweight champion, scored a career-best victory over Eimantas Stanionis in April. Despite the potential of a three-belt shootout, Ennis' decision to move up in weight due to the harsh physical toll of boiling down to 147lbs means a unification bout with Norman Jr is unlikely in the near future.
Despite the setback, Norman Jr has expressed interest in unification bouts and is eager to test his skills against the best in the division. As he continues to make waves in the welterweight division, fans eagerly await the announcement of his next opponent.
[1] Ennis vacates IBF welterweight title to move to super welterweight
[2] Jaron Ennis: IBF welterweight champion
[3] Brian Norman Jr vs Jin Sasaki
[4] Jaron Ennis named The Ring's Prospect of the Year for 2020
- Jaron Ennis, the former IBF welterweight champion, has vacated his IBF title to move up to the super welterweight division.
- Brian Norman Jr, who claimed the interim WBO welterweight belt, has shown interest in unification bouts against opponents in the welterweight division.
