On paper,
Brian Norman Jr. has done enough to be viewed as the man at 147 pounds.
Each of his last three opponents entered the ring against him high on confidence, but by the time it was over, a trip to the local hospital was needed. With that being said, two-division world champion
Devin Haney isn't worried about the mind-numbing power he'll face next.
The pair will officially throw down as part of a stacked "Ring IV" bill on Nov. 22 in Norman's third title defense at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
For most, fighting Norman (28-0, 22 KOs) is a headache and easily the most difficult and painful night of their pugilistic lives. Haney, though, believes it'll just be another day in the office and an unbeaten record he can add to his growing resume.
"Brian Norman is just another opponent," Haney told The Ring. "He's just another steppingstone."
Jin Sasaki had a similar feeling. That is, until Norman made him exit the Ota-City General Gymnasium on a stretcher
after a brutal fifth-round knockout.
With little under four months remaining before fight night, Haney will presumably use some of that time in the weight room as he prepares for his welterweight debut.
The 26-year-old was subject to heavy criticism upon his return a few months prior, moving excessively around the ring en route to an anti-climactic
12-round points win over Jose Ramirez. Nonetheless, his May 2 victory at New York's Times Square shook some rust off after a year-long layoff following a
Ryan Garcia matchup shrouded in controversy.
Talented beyond belief, Haney (32-0, 15 KOs) loves reminiscing about his accolades. He passes through his golden trophy room in his palatial estate and gazes at all of the championship hardware he's accumulated over the years.
In that very room, he’s added a new mantle. Provided everything goes the way he's planned, the Las Vegas native will throw Norman's WBO welterweight world title on it to cap 2025.
"I'm excited to be a three-division champion," Haney said. "God willing."