WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. made his big arrival today for his defense against Devin Haney at the Ring IV: Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs) said his focus is to “knock out” Haney because he doesn’t trust the judges.
(Credit: Leigh Dawney Photography)
A side games in full effect
Despite the fact that Norman Jr. is the world champion and betting favorite, Haney is the A-side in this fight, with his name first. The rematch between Devin and Ryan Garcia is already being floated ahead of Saturday’s fight with Norman Jr.
When you see something like this, it’s doubly important for the B-side fighter to make sure they score a knockout or make it one-sided enough that they don’t end up on the short end of the stick. Norman Jr., 24, has the power to take the judges out of the game, derailing plans for a Haney vs. Ryan fight next time around. Technically, this could still happen, but not under ideal terms.
KO mission, no judges needed
“Knock him out. I’m not trying to do no 12 rounds. I don’t trust judges at all,” said Brian Norman Jr during the big arrivals today in Riyadh, revealing what his goal is for Saturday night when he defends against Devin Haney. “I have the power to judge myself, and I’m going to go out there and use it.”
One can understand why Norman Jr. distrusted the judges going into Saturday’s fight. He is not nearly as popular as Haney, though he is the far more exciting fighter to watch.
Haney’s Movement and Hold Plan
Haney’s last fight against Jose Ramirez on May 2, 2025, indicated what we could see from him on Saturday night. There will likely be a lot of movement and holding involved on Haney’s part to neutralize Norman’s offense.
The punch output between the two fighters could be at the lowest levels fans have ever seen. It’s not because of Norman Jr. He’ll try to get to Haney to land, but it’s going to be tough if he chooses to move and hold all night.
“It’s a dream come true for me. I want to fight the best fighters in the world,” Haney said today in his big arrival, explaining why he chose Brian Norman Jr. challenge for his WBO welterweight title. “Brian Norman is the champion, and I’m the challenger.”
Only two elite names in ten years
Haney has fought only two good fighters during his long 10-year career, Vasily Lomachenko and Ryan Garcia. The rest of the names on Haney’s resume were a mix of older and lesser fighters. Lomachenko was 35 when Haney fought him in 2023.
“It’s not the first time for me. It’s not the second time for me. It will be my third time fighting a champion, and I’m looking forward to it,” says Haney.
