In a stunning display of skill and precision, Devin Haney cemented his place in boxing history on Saturday night in Riyadh, outclassing the previously undefeated Brian Norman Jr over twelve rounds to claim the WBO welterweight title.
This decisive victory transforms the 27-year-old American into a three-division world champion, a remarkable achievement that silences his recent critics and re-establishes his dominance in the sport.
A Pivotal Moment Swings The Fight
The atmosphere inside the ANB Arena was electric from the start. In a departure from his usual slow-beginning strategy, Haney made a powerful statement early in the contest.
During the second round, he stunned Norman with a sharp check left hook before following up with a devastating right hand that sent the defending champion to the canvas.
Norman managed to rise to his feet, blood trickling from his nose, and survived the round. However, that single moment proved to be the turning point, swinging the momentum of the entire fight decisively in Haney's favour.
Haney's Masterful Control
From that pivotal knockdown onward, Haney dictated the pace and flow of the bout. He controlled long stretches with a razor-sharp jab, well-timed counter-punches, and clever footwork that kept Norman off balance.
Norman repeatedly tried to close the distance and force Haney into close-quarter exchanges, but Haney's superior accuracy, particularly with straight shots down the middle, kept him in complete command.
Whenever Norman surged forward in an attempt to build pressure, Haney expertly turned him, tied him up in clinches, or caught him with short, disruptive hooks that broke his opponent's rhythm.
Late Rally Falls Short
To his credit, Norman found a brief window of opportunity in the ninth and tenth rounds. He landed several clean left hooks and even managed to push Haney to the ropes with a solid right hand.
For a moment, it seemed the champion might be building the momentum he desperately needed. Yet, Haney remained composed, steadied himself, and navigated through the storm without panic.
As the fight entered the championship rounds, the urgency in Norman's corner was palpable. Aware that the early knockdown had likely left him behind on the scorecards, his team urged him to press for a finish.
Heeding advice from his father to avoid unnecessary risks, Haney managed the closing stages with calm efficiency. He slipped jabs, caught hooks on his gloves, and initiated clinches whenever Norman tried to ignite a firefight.
By the final minute, it was Norman who was initiating the holds, a clear sign of his frustration and inability to find the dramatic breakthrough needed to save his title.
The Road to Redemption
When the judges' scores were announced—117–110, 116–111 and 114–113—Haney's victory was official. Reflecting on his journey in the ring afterwards, Haney spoke of a triumphant comeback.
'In 2024, I lost everything. It came crashing on me,' Haney stated. 'In 2025, I got it back. In 2026, I'm coming for everything.'
This win represents his most dominant performance since his undisputed run at lightweight and caps a year where many had questioned his durability and potential at the welterweight limit.
For Brian Norman Jr, who entered the bout with an unblemished record and a string of knockout victories, this marks his first professional defeat and the end of an impressive title reign.
Haney, however, left the ring with a clear message: the 147-pound welterweight division is where he belongs, and he is ready for any challenge it presents.
