Devin Haney stands on the brink of boxing history, preparing to challenge the undefeated Brian Norman Jr for the WBO welterweight title in Riyadh this Saturday night. At just 26 years old, the American fighter aims to become a three-weight world champion, seeking redemption after one of the most controversial periods of his career.
From Undisputed Champion to Controversial Defeat
Just two years ago, Haney appeared unstoppable. After defending his WBC lightweight title four times, he travelled to Melbourne to outpoint George Kambosos Jr and unify all four major belts at 135lb. He returned seven months later to deliver an even more decisive victory, followed by a career-defining win against Vasiliy Lomachenko that demanded exceptional nerve and ring intelligence.
By the time he defeated Regis Prograis for a 140lb belt, Haney had compiled a perfect 31-0 record, established himself as a two-division champion, and secured his place in the pound-for-pound conversation—all before turning 25.
Then came the Ryan Garcia fight in April 2024, an event that would temporarily derail Haney's master plan. The buildup was dominated by Garcia's increasingly erratic behaviour, both in person and online. When Garcia weighed in at 143.2lbs—3.2lbs over the division limit—he forfeited both money and the chance to claim Haney's title, but gained a significant physical advantage.
The Haneys proceeded with the bout anyway, a decision that would prove costly. In one of boxing's most shocking nights of 2024, Garcia knocked Haney down three times with the same left hook, leading to a majority-decision loss. Though the result was later overturned to a no-contest after Garcia failed a drug test for ostarine, the visual of Haney repeatedly hitting the canvas proved difficult to erase from public memory.
The Road to Redemption in Riyadh
Now, Haney faces another formidable challenge in Brian Norman Jr, an undefeated fighter with a 28-0 record including 22 knockouts. Norman announced his arrival with a devastating left hook that flattened Jin Sasaki in June, establishing him as one of boxing's most dangerous emerging talents.
Speaking before the fight, Haney reflected on the Garcia aftermath, including a since-withdrawn lawsuit that never sat right with him. "That wasn't me," Haney admits. "That was the business side. I'm a fighter. I want to get it back in blood. I never wanted to do it that way. But I had people around me saying, 'You lost millions, you've got to hold him accountable.' I get that. But the truth is, I just want to fight. That's who I am."
The planned rematch never materialised after Garcia lost to Rolly Romero, leaving Haney to pursue other challenges. His subsequent performance against José Ramírez showed signs of the Garcia fight's lingering effects—a comfortable victory but fought with unusual caution that prompted criticism from boxing's observant community.
Welterweight Welcome: A New Beginning
The move to welterweight represents more than just another title opportunity for Haney—it signifies liberation. "I feel great: strong, sharp, happy," he says with a small smile. "At 135, I was fighting the scale more than the guy in front of me. I'd make weight and feel drained. Now I can eat. I can train for skills, not survival."
This newfound physical freedom coincides with increased professional autonomy. Haney has taken charge of his career negotiations, dealing directly with promoters including Turki al-Sheikh. "I've been negotiating my own deals for a while," he reveals. "I love what Riyadh Season is doing for boxing. The best fighters are fighting the best fighters. Everybody's making money. It's a good time to be a boxer."
As for Norman, Haney respects his potential but questions his proven quality. "He's good," Haney acknowledges. "But it's hard to say how good. They put him in with guys who made him look the way they wanted him to look. We'll see what happens when he's in there with somebody who can think."
What drives Haney forward through controversy, criticism and business complexities? The answer comes with quiet certainty: "We set a goal as a kid. I want my name to be mentioned with the greats when it's all said and done. I won't stop until I get there. They said I couldn't punch. They said I couldn't take a punch. But I got up. I'm still here."
This Saturday in Saudi Arabia, Devin Haney has the opportunity to prove exactly that—not just to the boxing world, but to himself.
