An elite puncher and an elite boxer will collide Saturday at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where unbeaten WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. meets Devin “The Dream” Haney in a matchup that blends power, precision, and pedigree.
In an era when truly outstanding cards are increasingly rare, this one delivers. The main event features WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez opposite the relentless, heavy-handed Anthony Yarde. Yet the night’s most anticipated showdown remains Haney–Norman, as Haney bids to capture a world title in a third weight class after conquering lightweight as the undisputed champion and claiming hardware at junior welterweight.
But let’s get right to it. Say what you will about Haney and the turbulence that has followed the Ryan Garcia fight—odd behavior, lawsuits, and everything in between—there is one thing that remains indisputable: he is an elite boxer who will face anyone. He claimed the undisputed 135-pound championship by defeating then-titleholder George Kambosos on the road in Australia, a victory that obligated him to return for an immediate rematch in Kambosos’ home country thanks to the ever-frustrating world of rematch clauses.
Although his win over Vasiliy Lomachenko was close and controversial, Haney never shied away from the challenge. It was a fight he had pursued for years, even as Lomachenko’s camp initially showed little interest—an impasse that ultimately led the WBC to invent the “franchise” title, a maneuver that effectively delayed the matchup in the first place. Seven months later, in December 2023, Haney moved up to 140 pounds and dominated then-titleholder Regis Prograis to capture the WBC junior welterweight crown. His 2024 campaign, however, unraveled in April.
In his first scheduled defense, Haney (32-0, 15 KOs) faced bitter rival Garcia. After controlling the early rounds, Haney was dropped three times and initially lost by majority decision — until it was revealed that Garcia had failed three drug tests for the performance-enhancing substance ostarine. The New York State Athletic Commission handed Garcia a one-year suspension, fined him $1.1 million, and stripped him of his win, ruling the fight a no-contest. Haney subsequently sued Garcia for battery, fraud, and breach of contract, though he has since dropped the lawsuit. Haney last fought in May, outpointing former unified junior welterweight champion Jose Ramirez in a lackluster showing in Times Square on the undercard of the Ryan Garcia–Rolly Romero event.
Let’s also point out that the 24-year-old Norman was dropped in the opening round of his March 2024 bout against Janelson Figueroa Bocachica. Although he came back strong, Norman was later struck by an errant elbow in the third round that opened up a cut over his right eye, and the bout was ruled a no-contest. However, Norman has had three consecutive destructive KO victories heading into this fight.
Does Haney truly have his mojo back? We’ll see, but I have a feeling Norman will clip him. Haney could outbox him for the first handful of rounds, but I say by round five, Norman might have himself a TKO win.
DEVIN HANEY VS BRIAN NORMAN JR. PREDICTION
Norman Jr by TKO in the fifth round over Haney.
DEVIN HANEY VS BRIAN NORMAN JR. BETTING ODDS
Per DraftKings SportsBook, Devin Haney vs. Brian Norman Jr are as close to a 50/50 fight as you can get with both fighters currently at -110.
Brian Norman Jr.: TKO/KO +250; Decision +280
Draw: +1400
Devin Haney: TKO/KO +850; Decision +125
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