Haney Fires Back After Benn Taunts His Hugging in Norman Fight

Devin Haney fired back at Conor Benn on X today after he gave him a mouthful, saying he knows where he practiced his “hugging” to prepare for his last fight against WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. last Saturday. In Benn’s post, he shared a meme of Haney hugging Diddy, with a big smile on Haney’s face.

Why Benn Wants Haney Now

Benn (24-1, 14 KOs) told Haney to “come see me.” The Matchroom-promoted Conor is moving back down from 160 to 147, and he wants to challenge Haney for his WBO title, which he won against Norman Jr. It would be a fight that would make Conor Benn millions. He’d have an excellent chance of destroying Haney with his punching power. It could be a mismatch.

Haney’s Preferred Ryan Rematch

Thus far, Devin and his father, Bill Haney, have been cool to the idea of facing Benn. Neither of them has shown interest in fighting him, despite the potential for big money. Why are the Haneys avoiding Benn despite the payday? This is a fight that Haney would take in a second if it were a sure-thing win, but he’s got too much to lose. He’s got the rematch with Ryan Garcia that will happen in 2026.

“You tried to come and say what’s up and shake my hand last night. Then get on Twitter, talking tough. That’s why I ain’t shake your hand because I know you’re really a b***. That’s why you tucked your tail and walked away. You want to argue on the Internet for clout,” said Devin Haney on X, reacting to Conor Benn’s post.

Turki Money Changes Everything

With Turki Alalshikh involved, the payday Haney can get fighting Ryan (24-2, 20 KOs) in a rematch would be enormous. It’s a match that is ideal for Netflix, and it’s a more winnable one for Haney than facing the big-punching Conor Benn. He’s rugged and would walk through Devin’s jabs.

What Happens If They Fight?

The clinching that Haney used as his primary defense against Norman Jr. wouldn’t likely be effective against Conor. He’d be throwing when Haney would attempt to grab, and the fight could end quickly.