In boxing, where two fighters clash and statistics merely suggest possible outcomes, the true result is only revealed when the final bell sounds. This will be the case on Saturday when Brian Norman Jr. defends his WBO welterweight title against Devin Haney in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (DAZN PPV, 5 p.m. ET).
The night’s highlight fight features WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez versus Anthony Yarde, known for his powerful knockouts. However, the most eagerly awaited bout is Norman vs. Haney, with Haney attempting to claim a world title in a third weight class. A victory would spark discussion about Haney’s place among the sport’s pound-for-pound elites. Central to this encounter is the question: can Haney withstand Norman’s renowned punching power, particularly his feared left hook?
Norman’s power is infamous. Issei Nakaya, president of Nakaya Boxing Gym, revealed Norman’s previous opponent, Hitoshi Sasaki, suffered memory loss for six weeks after being decisively KO’d by Norman in June. Conversely, Haney has shown susceptibility to the left hook, as Ryan Garcia knocked him down thrice in their April 2024 fight. This dynamic adds complexity to their upcoming clash.
Will Haney be able to outbox and outthink Norman over 12 rounds, formulating a strategy to neutralize his power? Norman holds momentum with three recent knockout wins and has fought three times this year, while Haney, after a tough bout with Garcia that ended in a no-contest due to Garcia’s failed drug test, returned in May for a less-than-impressive unanimous decision win over Jose Ramirez.
This fight is a true toss-up. Norman’s aggressive speed and power will meet Haney’s quick hands, footwork, timing, and tactical intelligence. Both fighters seek not only victory but validation: Haney must prove he remains at the top of his game, while Norman must confirm his knockout capabilities against an elite opponent in his prime.
Examining Norman’s style, the 24-year-old is yet to reach his full potential. He fights aggressively but maintains solid defense, blending speed and knockout power while excelling at landing punches amid exchanges. His upright, poised stance projects strength and readiness, allowing him to command the ring with solid footwork and control, disrupting opponents through physical dominance and tactical maneuvers. Norman’s relentless will and undefeated record reflect his determination to prove doubters wrong.
Haney, on the other hand, fights like a problem solver, relying on pure boxing skills and power. He uses angles, sharp jabs, and skilled footwork to disarm opponents, employing feints and clinches to disrupt aggression and create openings. Known for his courage, Haney has consistently faced top fighters and thrives under pressure, his disciplined training manifesting in his performance and mindset.
Stylistically, both fighters have clear routes to victory. The fight could end with Haney mastering a tactical shutout, Norman delivering a knockout, or even a surprising knockout by Haney. Norman will likely press early to force Haney to use movement and lose his base, aiming to disrupt Haney’s jab, which is his defensive stronghold. Haney’s high ring IQ will test Norman’s patterns, while Norman’s timing and power might exploit some of Haney’s technical habits, such as his wide left hook and tendency to favor one side for defense.
The battle’s outcome hinges on Norman’s ability to combine power with smart movement, confronting a style Haney presents unlike any Norman has faced before.
Winning in boxing requires more than raw power; it demands timing and precision against savvy, mobile opponents. Norman’s athleticism and explosiveness give him a legitimate chance to outsmart and possibly knock out Haney if he can expertly navigate the ring and seize the right moments.
Fan Take: This bout isn’t just about titles; it’s a pivotal moment that could redefine both fighters’ careers and the welterweight division’s landscape. For fight fans, it’s a thrilling matchup that showcases the blend of power, skill, and strategy that keeps boxing one of the most electrifying sports in the world.
