Upcoming WBO Welterweight Title Bout
On July 18, 2025, excitement surrounds the upcoming WBO welterweight title bout between Devin Haney and Brian Norman Jr., but tensions are already rising even before they step into the ring. Haney’s team has raised serious allegations against Norman, accusing him of postponing the voluntary drug testing that’s crucial ahead of their highly anticipated fight set to take place on November 22 during Riyadh Season.
Rivalry Intensifies
The bout follows Norman’s recent impressive victory over Jin Sasaki, which has only intensified the rivalry between the two fighters. The heated atmosphere has been further ignited by an incident involving Haney’s security personnel, who controversially confronted Norman and his father during the Berlanga vs. Sheeraz fight week, ripping off their shirts in an unexpected display of hostility.
Concerns Over Drug Testing
Bill Haney, Devin’s father and trainer, has expressed concerns about Norman’s reluctance to commence VADA testing. He asserts that they have offered to initiate testing immediately and cover all related expenses, yet Norman has chosen to wait until August 1. Bill commented,
“If you’ve got nothing to hide, you’ve got nothing to delay. Let’s test now,”
highlighting his frustrations regarding Norman’s apparent avoidance of immediate testing.
Fighter Records and Background
Haney, who boasts an undefeated record of 32-0 with 15 knockouts, isn’t new to controversies related to drug testing. His previous opponent, Ryan Garcia, tested positive for banned substances after their fight in New York in April 2024, where Garcia had notable success against Haney, knocking him down multiple times.
For Norman Jr., currently holding a record of 28-0 with 22 KOs, this matchup against Haney could be the most challenging of his career. His status as the full WBO welterweight champion was solidified after Terence Crawford vacated the title, now putting him on a collision course with Haney in Saudi Arabia.
Looking Ahead
As the fight date approaches, questions remain. World Boxing News has sought a response from Norman’s camp regarding the allegations about the testing delays, but as of now, no statement has been forthcoming.
This match will be a centerpiece of a significant winter boxing calendar under Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season, which also features other intriguing matchups, including a headline bout between David Benavidez and Anthony Yarde. Jesse Rodriguez, who is scheduled to fight this weekend, is also included in this elite lineup.
Expert Insights
Phil Jay, with over 15 years of dedicated coverage in the boxing industry and serving as Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, provides insights and updates on these critical developments in the sport.
