In a stunning display of boxing prowess, Devin Haney silenced his critics and made a powerful statement in the ring, leaving no doubt about his abilities. A star is reborn! ESPN's Brett Okamoto brings us the thrilling story of Haney's journey to the top.
On November 22, 2025, Haney (33-0, 15 KOs) put on a boxing clinic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, dominating Brian Norman Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) to capture the WBO welterweight title. This victory was more than just a win; it was Haney's redemption song. But here's where it gets personal... Haney, having faced doubts about his resilience after a devastating loss to Ryan Garcia in 2024, proved he's a force to be reckoned with at welterweight.
The fight showcased Haney's evolution as a fighter. Despite concerns about his ability to absorb punches, he fearlessly took on Norman, known for his powerful punches, and emerged victorious. Haney's strategy was brilliant: he used his jab to control the distance and repeatedly stunned Norman with a powerful right hand, sending him to the canvas in the second round. And this is the part most fans didn't expect—Haney, usually known for his technical prowess, chose to stand toe-to-toe with Norman, landing effective check hooks that left his opponent bewildered.
Norman, a formidable opponent with a highlight-reel knockout earlier in the year, couldn't keep up with Haney's speed and ring intelligence. Although Norman tried to turn the fight into a slugfest, Haney's jab consistently thwarted his efforts. Norman's face bore the marks of Haney's dominance, with a bloodied nose early on and a swollen left eye later in the fight.
This triumph opens up exciting possibilities for Haney's career. With his 27th birthday just passed, he's poised to take on the biggest names in the sport. A rematch with Garcia, who has also moved up to welterweight, would be a blockbuster event, especially after Garcia's recent loss to Rolando Romero. Haney's father, Bill Haney, remains tight-lipped about the next opponent, but the boxing world is buzzing with anticipation.
Is Haney the real deal at welterweight? The boxing community is divided, and the debate rages on. Was this victory a fluke, or has Haney truly arrived as a dominant force in the division? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Remember, in the world of boxing, opinions are like jabs—everyone has one, and they can pack a punch!
