Exciting Boxing News
Excitement surrounds the boxing scene as significant events unfold on June 18, 2025, highlighted by recent updates from prominent promotions.
Title Defense: Brian Norman Jr. vs. Jin Sasaki
In a notable match, WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. is poised to face Jin Sasaki in Tokyo for his title defense. This contest marks Norman’s second defense of the championship, having previously solidified his status with a surprising victory over Giovani Santillan in San Diego last May.
Norman, who boasts an impressive record of 27 wins with no losses and 21 knockouts, will be competing in enemy territory at the Ota City General Gymnasium. Here, he not only aims to defend his title but also confronts a formidable challenger in Sasaki. The Japanese fighter, known for his relentless style, carries a record of 19 wins, one loss, and one draw, with 17 KOs. He earned his shot at the title following a strong performance earlier this year, defeating Shoki Sakai during the undercard of Naoya Inoue’s bout.
The live stream of the Norman-Sasaki fight on ESPN+ kicks off at 4 a.m. ET, with the main event projected to begin around 7:15 a.m. ET. As Norman prepares for his matchup, he emphasizes the significance of the championship belt in his life.
“This is what I’ve dreamed of since I was 7 years old. I’m not giving it up at all,”
he stated, showing confidence in his preparation and focus regardless of his opponent’s strong fan base.
Paulie Malignaggi Returns
In a related development, former two-weight world champion Paulie Malignaggi has made headlines with his announcement of a return to combat sports, signing a multi-fight contract with Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB). Having acted as a commentator for BKB since 2021, Malignaggi is set to re-enter the ring in the Super Welterweight category at the upcoming BKB 45 event on September 6 in Bristol, England. With a professional boxing record of 36 wins and 8 losses, he has faced renowned fighters like Miguel Cotto and Ricky Hatton.
Box Fan Expo Announcement
Additionally, the Box Fan Expo is scheduled to celebrate its Eighth Annual event in Las Vegas on September 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees can look forward to a bustling atmosphere coinciding with Canelo Alvarez’s mega fight against Terence Crawford, set for later that same evening. This yearly gathering promises to offer fans and industry professionals alike an engaging experience during the festive Mexican Independence Day weekend.
