Devin Haney clearly beats Brian Norman Jr on points and establishes himself as the new power in the welterweight division.
Devin Haney made a strong statement in the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and wrote boxing history: The US star defeated Brian Norman Jr unanimously on points to secure the WBO welterweight title – his third belt in a third weight class. Haney (33-0, 15 knockouts) delivered a controlled and tactically clean performance against the former title holder. The official scorecards read 114-113, 116-111 and 117-110 – clear evidence of Haney’s dominance over twelve rounds.
The 27-year-old found his rhythm early on. Right from the start, Haney landed a precise left-right combination that sent Norman Jr to the floor. Norman immediately jumped up and survived the standing eight-count, but Haney consistently kept after him and dictated the action from then on.
Norman Jr came into the duel a little better in rounds three and four and looked to exchange punches, but Haney was the more effective man in every important exchange. Norman Jr increased the pressure again in rounds eight and nine and landed some clean head shots, but Haney kept his cool, countered sharply and won these rounds too.
In an interview with DAZN after the fight, Haney expressed his relief at his move up to welterweight. “147 pounds is the weight class I should have been in for a long time,” explained the new champion. “My dad told me I had to move up, but at 135 and 140 there was just too much at stake. We’ll take on any challenger. It doesn’t matter who my dad puts forward – we’re ready.”