Escalating Tensions Ahead of WBO Welterweight Title Fight
On July 20, 2025, tensions escalated on social media as Brian Norman Jr. publicly responded to accusations from Devin Haney’s father, Bill Haney, regarding delays in drug testing for their upcoming WBO welterweight title fight. The clash is set for November, and the argument centered around alleged shortcomings in the drug testing process managed by VADA, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association. Bill Haney accused Norman of intentionally stalling the completion of testing protocols.
Public Exchange of Words
In a pointed exchange, Bill Haney expressed skepticism about Norman’s dedication to a transparent fight, raising concerns about the ramifications of the delay. Norman retorted late Saturday night, stating:
“I’m about to go out of the country all next week. When I get back, it’s damn near August, so I said let’s start then. Your boy will be okay. This will be a clean a—whoopin.'”
He insisted he was not dodging the testing requirement and emphasized that, come fight night, the results would leave no room for doubt.
Devin Haney, the 25-year-old champion and son of Bill, fired back with a sharp rebuke, saying:
“F— your vacation. You’re in the biggest fight of your life. VADA can come anywhere in the world. Sign your paperwork like you said you did already!”
This confrontation amplifies the already heated atmosphere leading up to a match that has garnered significant attention, as Norman aims to derail Haney’s quest to win a title in a third weight class.
Heightened Stakes
The escalating war of words is particularly notable, given the backdrop of a previous confrontation between the two camps in New York, further heightening the stakes of what many anticipate will be a fiercely contested bout. With both fighters eager to prove themselves, the upcoming match is shaping up to be one of the most significant events in the welterweight division this summer.
