Over the past 18 months, Devin Haney has faced numerous doubts, but he decisively silenced them on Saturday. Haney (33-0, 15 KOs) secured a unanimous decision victory over Brian Norman Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, capturing the WBO welterweight title and becoming a world champion in three different weight classes. The judges scored the bout 117-110, 116-111, and 114-113 in favor of Haney. This marked Haney’s first true fight at 147 pounds, following a previous bout at a 144-pound catchweight.
The victory signaled a resurgence for Haney, who had been questioned about his ability to absorb punches, avoid his notable left hooks, and make weight after losing three close decisions to Ryan Garcia in April 2024. Although one loss was overturned to a no-contest due to Garcia’s failed drug test, doubts about Haney’s toughness and mentality lingered. Reflecting on his journey, Haney said, “In 2024, I lost everything. Everything fell on me. 2025, I’m coming to take it back. 2026, I’m coming to take it all back.”
Haney showed remarkable resilience against Norman, known for his power in the division, surviving a right hand knockdown in the second round and maintaining control throughout the fight. Utilizing a strong jab and effective check hooks, Haney kept Norman at bay. Norman, who delivered a Knockout of the Year contender earlier in the year, struggled to match Haney’s speed and ring command, suffering a bloody nose and swelling around his left eye.
The win opens up numerous possibilities for Haney, who turned 27 on Monday. While his father, Bill Haney, withheld comments post-fight, a rematch with Garcia—who also moved up to welterweight and recently lost a title fight—looms as the most anticipated matchup. Haney expressed his commitment to staying in the welterweight division, saying, “We’re going to accommodate everyone who comes. (Welterweight) is a division I was meant to be in for a long time. My dad has been telling me for a long time that I need to move up. I’m here to stay in the 147 weight class for a long time.”
Fan Take: This victory is a crucial turning point for Haney, proving he can compete and win at welterweight against elite competition. For fight fans, it sets the stage for a thrilling rematch with Ryan Garcia and promises exciting new rivalries that could redefine the division.
