Devin Haney silenced doubts and was crowned world champion in three categories last Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He defeated Brian Norman Jr. by unanimous decision, winning the WBO welterweight championship.
The judges scored the fight 117-110, 116-111, and 114-113 in favor of Haney in this 147-pound title fight. This was Haney’s first official appearance at this weight, as his last fight was at an agreed-upon weight of 144 pounds.
This victory represents a resurgence for Haney, who faced questions about his ability to withstand punches and avoid the elite left hook, as well as his adaptation to the weight increase, especially after being knocked down three times in his majority decision loss to Ryan Garcia in April 2024. Although the defeat turned into a “no decision” after Garcia tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance, doubts about Haney’s resilience and mentality persisted.
In 2024, I lost everything. Everything fell apart. In 2025, I came to get it back. In 2026, I’m going for everything.
Devin HaneyHaney demonstrated his willingness to take punches from one of the division’s hardest hitters. In addition, he showed his ability to respond at this weight. In the second round, he connected with a right hand that sent Norman to the canvas. His jab kept Norman at bay all night, and he surprised many by standing firm and connecting effective hooks.
Norman, who starred in a possible “Knockout of the Year” earlier this year against Jin Sasaki, failed to match Haney’s speed and ring control. Although he had some positive moments in the middle 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.Devin Haney capturó el título de peso wélter de la OMB el sábado por la noche, convirtiéndose en campeón de tres divisiones.The victory opens up a range of possibilities for Haney, who celebrated his 27th birthday on Monday. His father, Bill Haney, did not offer a specific name 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 welterweight title in May. Had Garcia won, the rematch with Haney would likely have been made.
We’re going to face everyone who comes. [Welterweight] is a category I was supposed to be in for a long time. My father has been telling me that I needed to gain weight for a long time. I’m here to stay at 147 for a long time.
