Devin Haney stands at a critical juncture in his boxing career as he prepares to challenge undefeated Brian Norman Jr for the WBO welterweight title this Saturday in Riyadh. The fight represents more than just another championship opportunity for the 26-year-old American - it's a chance at redemption following one of the most controversial nights of his professional career.
The Garcia Aftermath: Picking Up the Pieces
Just over a year ago, Haney's seemingly unstoppable rise through boxing's ranks came to an abrupt halt when he faced Ryan Garcia in April 2024. The bout was overshadowed by Garcia's erratic behaviour both online and in person, creating an atmosphere of chaos around the promotion. Matters worsened when Garcia missed weight by a substantial 3.2 pounds, rendering him ineligible to win Haney's title but giving him a significant physical advantage.
The fight itself delivered shocking scenes as Haney was knocked down three times by Garcia's left hook, eventually losing by majority decision in what many considered an upset. Though the result was later overturned to a no-contest after Garcia failed a drug test for ostarine, a performance-enhancing substance, the visual of Haney repeatedly hitting the canvas remains etched in public memory.
"They said I couldn't take a punch. But I got up and I'm still here," Haney reflects during an interview at New York's Victory Boxing Gym. The statement carries the weight of someone who has faced both physical and psychological tests in the ring.
A New Challenge at Welterweight
Standing across from Haney in Riyadh will be Brian Norman Jr, an undefeated fighter with a formidable record of 28-0 including 22 knockouts. Norman announced his arrival as a serious contender with a devastating left hook that flattened Jin Sasaki in June, demonstrating the kind of power that demands respect.
For Haney, the move to welterweight represents both physical and mental relief. "At 135, I was fighting the scale more than the guy in front of me," he explains. "I'd make weight and feel drained. Now I can eat. I can train for skills, not survival."
The transition appears to have rejuvenated the young fighter. "I'm much happier," Haney confirms. "My mental state is better. I can focus more on game-planning instead of losing weight. At 135, everything in camp was about the scale. Now I finally feel like I'm training to fight again."
Building a Legacy Through Adversity
Haney's career trajectory had been nothing short of spectacular before the Garcia fight. After defending his WBC lightweight title four times, he travelled to Melbourne to outpoint George Kambosos Jr and unify all four belts at 135lb. He returned seven months later to deliver an even more decisive victory, then secured a career-defining win against Vasiliy Lomachenko that demanded exceptional nerve and ring intelligence.
By the time he defeated Regis Prograis for a 140lb belt, Haney was 31-0, a two-weight champion and a fixture in pound-for-pound discussions - all achieved by age 25. The Garcia fight threatened to derail that narrative, but Haney remains focused on his ultimate goal.
"We set a goal as a kid," he says quietly but with conviction. "I want my name to be mentioned with the greats when it's all said and done. I won't stop until I get there."
Haney has also taken greater control of his career outside the ring, negotiating directly with promoters including Turki al-Sheikh. "I've been negotiating my own deals for a while," he reveals. "I love what Riyadh Season is doing for boxing. The best fighters are fighting the best fighters. Everybody's making money. It's a good time to be a boxer."
As for Norman, Haney respects his potential but questions the quality of his previous opposition. "He's good," Haney acknowledges. "But it's hard to say how good. They put him in with guys who made him look the way they wanted him to look. We'll see what happens when he's in there with somebody who can think."
The fight represents different stakes for both men. For Norman, it's an opportunity to announce himself on the world stage against an established name. For Haney, it's a chance to become a three-division world champion and firmly put the Garcia controversy behind him.
As Haney prepares to step into the ring at Boulevard Riyadh City Square, he carries not just his own ambitions but the weight of recent history. The question remains whether he can convert that pressure into another championship performance and continue writing what promises to be one of boxing's most compelling career stories.
