Devin Haney sounded a lot like his dad today, downplaying the talent and threat WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. poses to him, saying he’s going to “handicap” him on November 22nd when they fight on a DAZN card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Haney Doubts Norman Jr.
Devin (32-0, 15 KOs) noted that he wasn’t familiar with the opposition Norman Jr. has fought to build his 28-0 record. He says this is Brian Jr’s “First time here,” and he’s going to show that he’s “levels above him” in November in their fight at the ANB Arena in Riyadh.
What Devin has failed to mention is that this is his “first time” fighting a true welterweight, and there are a lot of questions about whether he’s got the chin to hang with the maurading sharks in this weight class. Haney’s last 144-lb catchweight fight against Jose Ramirez doesn’t count for him fighting at welterweight. Ramirez is a 140-pounder, and an old one at that. He doesn’t possess the size, power, or the youth that the 24-year-old Norman Jr. possesses.
Norman Jr. Bodyguard Brawl
We saw how physically strong Norman Jr. is when he wrestled Haney’s huge heavyweight-sized bodyguard to the ground when he jumped him during his meeting with Devin. Norman Jr. took the big guy down and looked like he was ready to lay him out when they got up. It would have looked bad for Brian to KO Haney’s bodyguard, but that would have likely happened if not for people intervening.
“People keep doubting me my career. That’s why I have a chip on my shoulder. They keep looking at the power, but the power doesn’t mean anything if you can’t land it. That’s why I’m going to use my I,” said Brian Norman Jr. during today’s kick-off press conference for his defense against Devin Haney on November 22nd.
Fans Doubt Norman Jr.
Many fans on social media are indeed doubting Norman Jr, but many of them have never watched any of his fights. For many, the only clips they saw were of his last defense against Jin Sasaki, which wasn’t a strong enough opponent for Norman Jr. to gain widespread belief.
If he reduces Haney to meteor dust on November 22nd, fans will jump on the bandwagon and see that he’s for real. Haney’s career will be over as a major player. He’ll still be useful as a B-side player and ideal for the younger fighters to use as a trial horse.
Haney’s “Handicap” Promise
“Another chance for me to become a three-division world champion. Brian Norman is just another guy. Brian Norman, this is his first time here. I’m on a different level from him. I don’t know anybody he ever fought. He never knocked out anyone at the top,” said Devin Haney.
I’d say that Devin’s last two fights against Ryan Garcia and Jose Ramirez showed that he’s nowhere near the same level as Brian Norman Jr. The only question is will Haney make it to the 12th round or not against Norman Jr. I have my doubts.
“He’s never done that at the highest level. I’ve been at the highest level for seven years. I think it’s one-sided. I’m going to handicap him. I know he has power against guys, but ones I’ve never heard of before,” said Haney.
You can’t take Haney seriously, because unless he’s been living underneath a rock for the last year, he’s seen Norman Jr. fight, noted how dangerous he is, and recognizes he’s going up against the best welterweight on the planet.
“Muscles don’t matter at the highest levels. I don’t matter. I’m levels above this guy. We could do it at 140 or 147. I’m levels above this guy,” said Haney.
Last Updated on 07/11/2025
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