Devin Haney, along with his father and trainer, Bill Haney, are out to prove what happened April 20, 2024, was nothing more than a fluke.
Haney was dropped three times at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, before losing a majority decision to Ryan Garcia. While that result was eventually overturned to a no-contest thanks to Garcia failing a pre-fight drug test, some, believe the damage was already done.
To prove that he’s put that behind him, Haney (32-0, 15 KOs) will move up in weight to take on Brian Norman at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the
co-main event of The Ring IV. The WBO welterweight champ has scored three consecutive KOs, including a
Knockout of the Year candidate against Jin Sasaki in June. Still, despite his power, the Haneys don’t appear concerned. Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn weighed in on the matter, and he believes the two are talking a good game.
“The thing is, Devin, and Bill particularly, are concerned about getting hit,” Hearn told several reporters. “Which is a really bad situation when you fight someone who’s quite a sharp puncher. Bill don’t want him to get hit. They’re concerned about his punch resistance. But I think at 147, physically, he’s going to feel really good.”
Haney didn’t look quite like himself when he fought Jose Ramirez on May 2 at a catchweight of 143 pounds, Haney fought far more cautiously than usual.
Although it did result in a win, Hearn doesn’t believe he’s completely gotten past that traumatic night against Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs).
As for his bout with Norman (28-0, 22 KOs), Haney is convinced that he has more than one way to get the job done. Hearn only sees their matchup going one of two ways.
“I think Devin is either going to win really easily,” he said. “Or he’s going to get knocked out.”