Devin Haney just silenced every critic in the most spectacular way possible. But here's where it gets controversial... Was his dominant performance against Brian Norman Jr. enough to prove he’s truly elite at welterweight, or does he still have something to prove? Let’s dive in.
On Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Devin Haney (33-0, 15 KOs) made history by becoming a three-weight world champion. He outclassed Brian Norman Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) in a unanimous decision victory to claim the WBO welterweight title, with judges scoring the bout 117-110, 116-111, and 114-113. This was Haney’s first official fight at 147 pounds, a significant step up from his previous 144-pound catchweight appearance. And this is the part most people miss—Haney didn’t just survive against one of the division’s hardest hitters; he thrived, showcasing power, precision, and a newfound resilience.
Haney’s journey to this moment hasn’t been easy. After a controversial majority decision loss to Ryan Garcia in April 2024—later overturned to a no contest due to Garcia’s PED violation—questions swirled about Haney’s durability and ability to handle elite competition. Critics pointed to the three knockdowns he suffered in that fight, casting doubt on his future at higher weights. But Haney’s response? A statement win that answered every question.
And this is where it gets even more intriguing... Haney didn’t just box his way to victory; he imposed his will. He dropped Norman in the second round with a crisp right hand, controlled the ring with a stinging jab, and even stood toe-to-toe to land effective check hooks—a strategy that surprised many. Norman, known for his knockout power (including a Knockout of the Year contender earlier this year), struggled to keep up with Haney’s speed and ring generalship. By the later rounds, Norman’s bloodied nose and swelling eye told the story of Haney’s dominance.
This win opens a world of possibilities for the 27-year-old Miami native. A rematch with Ryan Garcia, now also at welterweight, would be a blockbuster event. Garcia, who recently lost to Rolando Romero in a WBA title fight, has been vocal about settling the score with Haney. But Haney’s father, Bill, remains tight-lipped about next steps, leaving fans speculating.
Here’s the bold question for you... Is Devin Haney now the man to beat at 147 pounds, or does he need to face someone like Garcia or Romero to truly cement his legacy? Haney himself declared, ‘I’m here to stay at 147 for a long time,’ but only time will tell if he can dominate a division as stacked as welterweight. What do you think? Let’s debate in the comments!
