WBO welterweight world champion Brian Norman Jr. has openly welcomed Manny Pacquiao back to the division and extended an offer to face Conor Benn for his title in the United Kingdom.
Norman, who holds the WBO strap at 147 pounds, is fresh off a significant victory, having traveled to Japan last week to deliver a stunning fifth-round knockout against Jin Sasaki.
The American fighter reiterated his willingness to compete anywhere against any opponent.
“I am a world champion. It doesn`t matter where we are; when we step into the ring, you`re in my territory,” he stated. “I believed you understood my stance by now. I have no preference regarding the fight location.”
He believes Conor Benn, who recently lost to Chris Eubank Jr at middleweight in April, possesses the capability to become a top-tier welterweight and expressed readiness to give him a shot at the WBO title.
“I`m quite confident he can make a significant impact if he moves down to 147 pounds, and I would happily face him in the UK,” Norman commented.
Fighting in Britain, in particular, appeals strongly to him.
He described the crowd in Japan as “very polite” and “very quiet,” noting that it initially felt like a “sparring session.”
“That was certainly an experience, and now I wish to travel to the UK to witness the opposite – a crowd that`s enthusiastic and loud throughout the fight. I want to experience that,” he said.
“I require that kind of energy,” he added, expressing a preference for fighting in the UK. “I truly appreciate the fanbase there.”
Norman will be closely observing the upcoming WBC title bout between Mario Barrios and Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao, aged 46, has been inactive since 2021. His last contest was a clear defeat to Yordenis Ugas, and his most recent win dates back to defeating Keith Thurman in 2019.
Nevertheless, Norman did not voice opposition to the legendary fighter receiving an immediate world title opportunity upon his return.
“Who else should he fight to earn a title shot? To be frank, with major figures like Errol Spence, Terence Crawford, Keith Thurman, and Shawn Porter gone, the welterweight division is now focused on establishing new stars. While there are many talented boxers, the division lacks the widespread recognition it previously enjoyed,” Norman stated.
“Consider who else he could have fought. He has already accomplished more in this division than all of us combined. I believe he has earned this chance.”
Norman concluded, “There`s a title on the line in that fight, so whoever wins I would readily challenge them next.”
Murray Blackwood