Undefeated Devin Haney silenced critics with a commanding performance Saturday, proving his elite status in boxing’s pound-for-pound rankings. Haney, now 33-0 with 15 knockouts, captured a third division title by dominating WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. en route to a unanimous decision victory on the undercard of the Benavidez vs. Yarde fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Judges scored the fight 114-113, 117-110, and 116-111 for Haney.
Norman, celebrating his 25th birthday, fought back after a tough second-round knockdown and showed grit, especially in the clinches. But Haney, 27, controlled the middle rounds with precise jabs, though his power waned late, preventing a stoppage. After struggling to make weight at 135 and 140 pounds in past years, Haney avoided a potential knockout loss in a 2024 bout against Ryan Garcia, which was later ruled a no-contest due to Garcia’s failed drug test. In Haney’s welterweight debut this May, where he outboxed Jose Ramirez, he faced criticism for fighting cautiously, yet proved he was the more physically prepared boxer.
“In 2024, I lost everything. Everything hit me. 2025, I’m coming to take it back. 2026, I’m coming to take it all,” Haney declared.
Despite a cautious start, Haney landed effective counter left hooks in round two, visibly shaking Norman and dropping him with a powerful right cross. Haney then dictated the pace with strong jabs but couldn’t finish his opponent. “Norman did exactly what we planned, so we capitalized. After I hurt him, he adjusted, so I had to as well. He’s a true champion, better than expected, and I thank him for the opportunity to reclaim my title,” Haney said.
Norman tried to silence Haney’s jab with combinations and right hands, but his lack of experience showed against the savvy Haney, who remained cautious until the late rounds. Haney confirmed that welterweight is where he belongs and plans to stay there. “We’re ready to face anyone who steps up,” he said.
Although Haney didn’t name his first title defense opponent, this win brings him closer to a big rematch with Ryan Garcia. Garcia is expected to challenge WBC champion Mario Barrios in January, with the possibility of unifying titles in a Haney-Garcia II showdown.
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Fan Take: Devin Haney’s dominant win reinvigorates the welterweight division and sets the stage for thrilling future matchups, especially a potential rematch with Ryan Garcia. This victory not only reestablishes Haney as a top-tier fighter but also highlights the depth of competition and excitement boxing fans can anticipate in the coming years.
