Devin Haney, currently navigating his ascent into the welterweight division, has left no room for ambiguity regarding his upcoming challenge for the WBO title held by Brian Norman Jr. Set for November 22nd in Riyadh, the fight is, in Haney`s estimation, less of a competitive hurdle and more of a procedural step to solidify his status across multiple weight classes.
Speaking publicly about the matchup, Haney, known widely as `The Dream,` articulated a clear and perhaps slightly dismissive view of his opponent. For Haney, this bout represents an opportunity to become a rare three-division world champion, a goal that seemingly overshadows the specific opponent standing in his path. Norman Jr., in this narrative, is simply “just another guy,” positioned against Haney`s extensive experience at the very peak of professional boxing. Haney`s time at the top level, he noted, spans “seven, eight years,” a stark contrast to what he perceives as Norman Jr.`s first major moment.
The core of Haney`s argument rests on the disparity in their competitive résumés. While acknowledging Norman Jr.`s recognized power, Haney was quick to qualify its significance. He pointed out that this fight-ending ability has yet to be demonstrated against opponents of an elite standing. “I don’t know nobody that he fought,” Haney stated, brushing aside the idea that his chin might be the first to falter against Norman Jr.`s notable power. Haney appears convinced that accumulated ring intelligence and technical skill will decisively outweigh brute force, suggesting, with a touch of characteristic confidence, that the fight will be “one-sided” and he will “handicap him.” The presence of significant musculature, Haney implied, is secondary to the strategic demands of high-level boxing: “Muscles is good… but muscles don’t win fights.” This conviction, according to Haney, renders the specific weight class almost irrelevant; he claims to be “levels above” Norman Jr. regardless of whether they compete at 140, 145, or 147 pounds.
Brian Norman Jr., the target of Haney`s unwavering self-assurance, presented a contrasting perspective. A natural welterweight with proven power, notably displayed in his forceful stoppage of Jin Sasaki in Japan, Norman Jr. seems accustomed to being the perceived underdog. He suggested that dealing with doubters has been a consistent theme throughout his career and life, fostering a resilience and a determination to prove predictions wrong. While not dismissing his power, Norman Jr. emphasized that effective offense requires more than strength alone; it demands tactical understanding. “You gotta have some kind of IQ,” he countered, stressing the necessity of intelligently applying power. Norman Jr. also framed the upcoming fight as a potential changing of the guard, asserting that it`s “Time is up” for established fighters who, in his view, are not serving the sport well. He promised to deliver “something different” in Riyadh, signaling his intent to disrupt Haney`s carefully constructed narrative of a mismatch.
This welterweight encounter takes place after Haney`s previously discussed bouts with figures like Ryan Garcia and Teofimo Lopez did not materialize. His move up to 147 pounds to challenge a legitimate titleholder represents a significant step. The forthcoming clash in Riyadh presents a fascinating dynamic: the highly-touted technical maestro, confident in his superior skill and experience across divisions, facing a natural welterweight champion who carries formidable power and the quiet determination of someone consistently underestimated. The question isn`t merely who will win the WBO title, but whether Devin Haney`s proclaimed status as being “levels above” will withstand the specific challenges posed by a powerful and motivated champion like Brian Norman Jr. when the bell rings.
Tristan Blackwood