Haney Conquers Welterweight: Three-time Champion and Rematch with Garcia in Sight

Devin Haney wins the WBO welterweight title

Devin Haney proved his worth in the ring, silencing the doubts that haunted him. In a display of power and technique, Haney was crowned world champion in three divisions by defeating Brian Norman Jr. by unanimous decision in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, winning the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship. The judges awarded scorecards of 117-110, 116-111, and 114-113 in favor of Haney in this 147-pound fight. This was Haney’s first official appearance in this weight category, as his previous fight was at a contracted weight of 144 pounds. This victory represents a rebirth in Haney’s career, who faced questions about his ability to withstand punches and avoid elite left hooks, as well as his adaptation to weight gain, especially after being knocked down three times in a majority decision loss to Ryan Garcia in April 2024. Although the defeat turned into a “no decision” after Garcia’s positive test for a banned substance, doubts about Haney’s resilience and mentality persisted.

In 2024, I lost everything. Everything collapsed. In 2025, I came to get it back. In 2026, I’m going for everything.

Devin Haney

Haney, originally from Miami, not only proved willing to take punches from one of the division’s most powerful punchers, but also demonstrated his ability to attack at this weight. With a right hand, he sent Norman to the canvas in the second round, and from then on, he maintained control. His jab caused problems for Norman throughout the night, and surprised many by standing his ground and connecting effective “check hooks”. Norman, who starred in a “Knockout of the Year” candidate earlier this year against Jin Sasaki, never managed to match Haney’s speed or ring control. Although he had some successful moments in the intermediate rounds, trying to impose a more physical fight, he found no answer to Haney’s jab. His nose bled profusely from the second round, and his left eye began to swell in the final rounds.

The victory opens up a range of possibilities for Haney, who celebrated his 27th birthday on Monday. His father, Bill Haney, did not mention a possible opponent immediately after the fight, but a rematch with Garcia would undoubtedly be the most prominent. Garcia has also moved up to welterweight since his fight with Haney. He lost to Rolando Romero by unanimous decision in a fight for the vacant WBA title in May. If Garcia had won, the rematch with Haney would probably have been made. Haney stated: “We’re going after all the rivals. [Welterweight] is a category I should have been in a long time ago. My father told me I had to move up a long time ago. I’m here to stay at 147 pounds for a long time.”