Haney vs. Norman: Analysis of the WBO Title Fight, Predictions and Keys

Brian Norman Jr. vs. Devin Haney: Clash of Styles in the Ring

In the world of boxing, where uncertainty reigns and statistics only hint at what might happen, the truth is revealed until the final bell rings. This will be the case when Brian Norman Jr. and Devin Haney face off for Norman’s WBO welterweight title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The main event features WBC super middleweight champion David Benavidez against dangerous challenger Anthony Yarde, known for his devastating knockout power. However, the most anticipated fight of the night is Norman vs. Haney, where Haney will seek a world title in his third weight class. A victory could open the debate on whether Haney deserves a place in the pound-for-pound ranking. The big question is: Can Haney handle Norman’s punching power, especially his ferocious left hook?

Norman’s power is well documented.

Alofoke Deportes

Norman’s power is well documented. His last opponent, Jin Sasaki, claimed to have lost six weeks of memory after being brutally knocked out by Norman in the fifth round in June. Haney’s vulnerability to Ryan Garcia’s left hook is also well-known, who knocked him down three times in April 2024. This adds intrigue to Saturday’s matchup. Will Haney be able to overcome Norman in 12 rounds? Will he be able to implement the perfect strategy to neutralize Norman’s punching power? The momentum favors Norman, who comes to the fight with three victories, all by spectacular knockout, and will make his third appearance in the ring this year. Haney has only fought once since taking a year off after his brave performance against Garcia, where he got up three times from the canvas to go the distance in a fight that was later declared a no-decision. Haney returned on May 2, but had a discreet performance in a unanimous decision victory against Jose Ramirez in Times Square, New York. I consider this weekend’s matchup a “pick ’em fight”. Norman’s combination of speed, power, and aggression clashes with Haney’s fast hands and footwork, sharp timing, and tactical acumen. Both pugilists step into the ring seeking not only victory, but also answers. Haney needs to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Norman will have the pressure to demonstrate that the knockout power he showed in his last three fights translates to a matchup with a future Hall of Famer like Haney, who, at 27 years old, is at the peak of his career. Let’s take a close look at the confrontation and anticipate how the fight might unfold.

Understanding Norman’s Style

Brian Norman Jr. retains the title with a devastating KO in the 5th round.

I think we haven’t seen the best version of Norman yet. At only 24 years old, he still has a couple of years to go before reaching his prime. Norman fights with an aggressive style, but never at the expense of a good defense. He combines hand speed with knockout power in both hands and excels at hitting between his opponent’s punches. If you’re a fan of American football, imagine an NFL running back exploding through the gap between the guards. Even before the exchange begins, his boxing stance tells a story. He stands rigid, coiled, calm, and upright, radiating strength, danger, and raw power. His base, supported by huge calves, anchors him, allowing him to grip the canvas like a parked truck. From that base, he varies his jab with a few nuances. Sometimes it’s a slight probe to gauge distance. Other times, he uses a measuring jab to obstruct the hitting lane. Using another football analogy, it’s very similar to a linebacker closing gaps to stop a play. And when Norman throws his strong jab, he does it with enough authority to freeze opponents where they stand. At close range, Norman uses physical controls at will, immobilizing his opponent’s arms to stop strikes, peeling away the guard to create openings, and breaking posture by manipulating the head. Once you control the head, the rest of the body follows. Norman applies these tactics effectively, dictating each exchange in the pocket. Use shoulder strikes and posts (extended forward hand) to unbalance opponents, steal positional advantages, and become a threat in the pocket. Once inside, he imposes his will, punishing his opponents in the body while handling them with force, controlling them with restrictions that make every second of engagement a daunting proposition. Norman is the embodiment of a true boxer-puncher, the nightmare of a pure boxer. He is armed not only with experience, skill, and power, but also with an iron will and determination. He has an underdog mentality, thriving on proving skeptics wrong. He turns skepticism into fuel for domination. When his skill isn’t enough, his will acts as a lifeline, maintaining his impeccable record so far.

Understanding Haney’s Style

Devin Haney, on the right, secured a unanimous decision against Jose Ramirez in New York City in May.

Haney’s style is based on problem-solving. If there’s a problem in the ring, he has the answer. He is a pure boxer with respectable punching power who outmaneuvers and outboxes his opponents with technique and calculated movements. Haney uses angles to gain a superior position and a precise and sharp jab to disrupt rhythm and timing. Applies subtle footwork to limit their opponents’ offensive options. Keeps them off balance by constantly feinting, leaving most out of sync, confused, and doubting their approach. Then picks them apart, leaving them searching for solutions they are never allowed to find. Haney does whatever it takes to win. He possesses elite boxing skills, executes a game plan with discipline, and has demonstrated the ability to adjust his fight strategy if given a second chance. His footwork is lightning fast, allowing him to evade, reset, and create angles to attack opponents unexpectedly. Against aggressive fighters, cut off momentum with well-timed ties and clinches, stifling their attacks before they can build an offensive surge. Haney doesn’t let his opponents play. He moves as if he were in a game of dodgeball, lunging, moving, evading and frustrating whoever is in front of him. The most underestimated and perhaps most defining quality of Haney is his willingness to take risks. Putting aside his most recent performance, he has consistently sought out the most difficult challenges available, without shying away from elite competition. (He has fought against Vasiliy Lomachenko, George Kambosos twice, Yuriorkis Gamboa, and Regis Prograis, all victories). He operates in a fight-or-flight system, where pressure and uncertainty do not shake him, but rather transform and energize him. In those conditions, his boxing skills shift into hypermode, and his preparation reaches full beast mode. A look at his physique on weigh-in day tells you everything you need to know about the discipline and intensity behind Haney’s mindset and training.

How the Fight Could Unfold

WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr., on the left, has KO power in both hands.

Stylistically, both the champion, Norman, and the challenger, Haney, have clear paths to victory. I can imagine multiple possibilities and outcomes: a close victory for Haney in 12 rounds, a brutal knockout, or a decision victory for Norman. I’ve even dreamed of a scenario where Haney times a right hand after Norman misses a left hook, knocking out the champion. The fight lives in a wide spectrum of potential outcomes, and that’s what makes it so compelling. I hope this fight is intense from the first bell. It is likely that Norman will try to impose himself from the start, applying pressure to force Haney to use his feet and keep his distance. It is important to understand that when a fighter moves laterally, taking C-steps around the ring, their base is briefly compromised and they must re-establish their stance before they can punch with either hand. The jab is the area where Norman can feel immediate resistance. Throughout his career, jab defense has not been his greatest strength, as he has often received jabs on the bridge of his nose due to a lack of head movement. Haney has built a career based on possessing one of the most precise and effective jabs in the sport. Even so, a quick and assertive start from Norman could disrupt Haney’s rhythm and reduce the efficiency of that jab before it becomes a real problem. Forcing Haney into retreat is very necessary for control. Applying pressure is essential for Norman, but the way he applies it is absolutely crucial. Haney possesses one of the highest IQs in boxing. He defeated Lomachenko, a living legend whose technical skills are etched in the history of the sport. Haney relies on reading patterns, catching undisguised approaches, bad technical habits, and repetitive sequences that opponents don’t hide well enough. Just watch Haney vs. Kambosos 1 and 2. Haney’s pattern recognition and execution of his game plan were exceptional in both fights. When Norman shortens the distance to connect his power punches, he often uses a 2-1 combination (a right hand followed by a jab) while simultaneously rising towards his opponent. In those moments, he leaves himself open for a fraction of a second. If that entry pattern is repeated, Haney has the vision and the time to exploit it, catching Norman on the way before he can reach his preferred mid-range or inside position. He can also increase Haney’s punching power, creating a head-on collision on Norman’s chin. Haney is not without flaws, which are evident in the film. Depending on which version appears on fight night, his former self or his most recent form, some patterns and habits can be exploited by Norman. From Haney’s bow-and-arrow jab (right hand retracted) to his wide left hook, still seen in both forms of Haney, or his tendency to constantly lean to one side (usually the right) to avoid being hit, these habits leave openings. Even a well-trained boxer like Haney becomes vulnerable. Norman’s ability to hit while his opponents are throwing punches will be a key factor in this matchup. His left hook after a jab, or step back, is particularly dangerous, capable of exploiting the opening that Haney often leaves when he punches and slightly lowers his right glove below his chin. Similarly, Norman’s uppercut or left hook can catch Haney as he leans to the right under pressure, seeking cover. Those subtle tendencies could take away some of Haney’s tactical and technical skills, but only if Norman times his punches perfectly. The challenge for Norman is that he hasn’t faced a style like the one Haney will bring on Saturday.

Who Wins?

Most power punchers rely on having their feet well-planted to maximize power. Their mindset is simple: knock out the opponent. But when you face a mobile tactician with light feet and deep knowledge of the ring, power alone is not enough. It only works if you can connect it. I know this from experience. When I was fighting, I had the right amount of athleticism and could learn any new skill and tactic needed to strangle almost any style. Norman has already shown that he is explosive and has a high level of athleticism. If he can combine that power with efficient movement to cut the ring and use timing, he has a real chance to maneuver, fight, and even knock out Haney.