Devin Haney Defeats Brian Norman Jr. for WBO Welterweight Championship
On November 22, 2025, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Devin Haney showcased his boxing acumen by decisively defeating Brian Norman Jr. in a fight for the WBO welterweight championship. This clash was part of the undercard for the highly anticipated bout between David Benavidez and Anthony Yarde. Haney, the former undoubted lightweight champion, impressed spectators with a commanding display that secured him a unanimous decision victory with scores of 114-113, 117-110, and 116-111.
Fight Highlights
In an impressive start, Haney, now boasting an undefeated record of 33 wins, including 15 knockouts, knocked Norman to the canvas with a powerful combination in the second round. Norman, known for his knockout capabilities and entering the ring with a record of 28 wins and 1 loss, was expected to pose a serious challenge, having previously defended his title twice this year impressively.
Post-Fight Reflections
Following the fight, Haney reflected on his tumultuous journey, stating, “In 2024, I lost everything. Everything came crashing on me. In 2025, I came to get it back. In 2026, I’m coming for everything.”
This victory marks Haney’s achievement of a world title in his third different weight class, as he asserted his commitment to remain at welterweight after struggling to make weight in the lower divisions lately.
Norman’s Challenges
Despite Norman’s reputation as one of boxing’s emerging knockout artists, having recently secured victories with brutal knockouts of Derrieck Cuevas and Jin Sasaki earlier in the year, he found it challenging to execute his game plan against Haney. The fight trajectory shifted after Haney’s powerful start, as he adeptly maintained distance with his exceptional jab and defensive movements, neutralizing Norman’s chances in the exchanges that followed.
Conclusion
As the rounds progressed, Norman sustained significant pressure from Haney, who continued to frustrate him with his speed and footwork. Although Norman managed to regain some of his composure in the later stages of the fight, it was too late to make a significant impact, as Haney had established a commanding lead on the scorecards.
This bout not only underlined Haney’s resilience and skill but also marked a pivotal moment in both boxers’ careers. As the boxing world anticipates Haney’s next moves, his statement performance may set the stage for his future dominance in the welterweight category, potentially leading to high-stakes matchups ahead. Coverage of the Benavidez vs. Yarde event continues to draw attention from fans, highlighting the importance of this victory for Haney.
