Young Japanese boxer suffers memory loss after brutal KO loss

A young Japanese boxing prospect, Jin Sasaki, is now facing a serious recovery battle after suffering a devastating fifth-round knockout in his WBO welterweight title bout against American Brian Norman Jr. last Thursday, June 19, in Tokyo.

Sasaki was caught by a powerful left hook from Norman Jr. The punch knocked the young Japanese fighter unconscious instantly, with the back of his head slamming into the canvas.

Medical staff responded immediately, and although Sasaki showed no visible physical injuries, neurological concerns took center stage.

On Sunday, June 22, new details emerged regarding the extent of Sasaki’s injuries, including confirmed reports of memory loss surrounding the fight and the weeks leading up to it.

According to Issei Nakaya, president of Sasaki’s training gym, the young fighter is suffering from apparent retrograde amnesia. Nakaya revealed that Sasaki may have lost memory not only of the bout itself but also of the crucial period leading up to the event.

Nakaya emphasized that Sasaki’s condition is being closely monitored, highlighting the team’s cautious and responsible approach to the situation.

“We will be monitoring him, and he will return to the hospital tomorrow for another check-up,” Nakaya said in an interview.

This troubling development comes just weeks after another serious incident involving a Japanese boxer, where Ginjiro Shigeoka was forced to retire from his bout against the Philippines’ Pedro Taduran in Osaka due to a brain injury—underscoring a difficult month for Japanese boxing and the dangers inherent in the sport.

As Sasaki continues his recovery, the focus has shifted from his title aspirations to his long-term health and well-being. The boxing world now watches with concern, hoping for a full recovery for the talented young fighter.