Upcoming Match: Devin Haney vs. Brian Norman Jr.
In a surprising turn of events, top executive Carl Moretti from Top Rank has made strong assertions regarding Devin Haney‘s upcoming match against Brian Norman Jr., which is set for November during the Riyadh Season. Moretti predicts that Haney, a former undisputed champion, will face a knockout defeat in this fight. The prediction comes amidst growing tensions between Haney and Top Rank, the promotional company that has nurtured many of his previous lightweight competitors.
Social Media Spat and Tensions
Amid the build-up to Haney’s return after his recent victory over Jose Ramirez in New York, a social media spat has escalated. In a pointed retort, Moretti referenced Haney’s previous knockout loss and current challenges outside the boxing ring, stating:
“Speaking of [s emoji], we’ll be happy to show your comeback fight once you get up off the mat and suspension.”
This escalation follows Haney’s playful jibe at Top Rank regarding their future broadcasting arrangements after Bob Arum mentioned life beyond ESPN’s deal. Haney sarcastically remarked:
“In other words, they ain’t got s …”
Arum clarified during a conversation with Curran Bhatia that Top Rank is negotiating partnerships to move into a new era after 2025, emphasizing plans to collaborate with both a major streaming service and an over-the-air network, aiming for two or three broadcasting options moving forward.
Haney’s Career and Upcoming Challenge
Despite the open feud, Arum chose not to address Haney directly. Yet Moretti’s comments echo a historical pattern of friction between Top Rank and fighters who have departed from their roster. Haney’s relationship with the company briefly flourished, particularly after he secured victories against George Kambosos Jr. on two occasions.
At just 26 years old, Haney now faces the unbeaten Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs) for the WBO welterweight title, a belt that was vacated by Jaron Ennis. Many experts see Norman Jr. as a formidable opponent capable of potentially halting Haney’s current title reign at the welterweight class.
Anticipation for the Fight
With this pivotal matchup being hosted in Saudi Arabia in November, anticipation is rapidly building. There are whispers within Top Rank that the organization is implicitly favoring Norman to deliver a decisive knockout against Haney, marking one of the most awaited clashes of late 2025. As Haney continues to exchange barbs online while Norman prepares behind the scenes, the Riyadh Season sets the stage for an electrifying fight night that could significantly impact Haney’s legacy in boxing.
About the Author
Phil Jay boasts over 15 years of experience as a dedicated boxing journalist and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010. He has engaged with numerous world champions and has been a vital voice in reporting on the sport’s most critical moments.
