Haney Promises A “Showcase” In His WBO Clash With Norman Jr

Devin Haney predicts that tonight will be a “showcase” for him, with him showing off his technical skills en route to beating the #1 fighter in the 147-lb division, WBO champion Brian Norman Jr., at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Haney (32-0, 26 KOs) states that it’s going to be “fun” for him and his team for what he’s going to do to Norman Jr. (32-0, 16 KOs) in their 12-round bout on DAZN PPV on the Ring IV card. The way he’s talking, he sounds like he’s going to befuddle the 24-year-old Brian Jr.

A True 50-50 Now

Tonight’s Haney vs. Norman Jr. is now a pick ’em with the oddsmakers. Norman Jr. had been the betting favorite throughout the buildup, but the bettors have increasingly sided with Haney. It’s now considered a 50-50 fight. That won’t mean anything if Haney’s punch resistance betrays him once again, as we saw in his fight against Ryan Garcia in April 2024.

“Canelo didn’t have no feet. I’ve got feet. So, it ain’t going like that, not even 1%,” said Brian Norman Jr. to MillCity Boxing when asked about the possibility of his fight against Devin Haney tonight playing out like Canelo Alvarez’s loss to Terence Crawford, in which the Mexican star struggled against the more mobile Crawford.

Norman Jr’s Reach advantage

Haney won’t be able to use his mobility to neutralize Norman Jr’s offense in the same way that Crawford did in his 12-round unanimous decision victory over the slow-footed undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo on September 13, 2025. Norman Jr. can move, cut off the ring, and he has the reach advantage in this fight. Canelo gave up 4 1/2 inches in reach to Crawford.

Haney’s Showcase Claim

“I think he’s the man of the division for now. Once I’m victorious, I take over the weight class,” said Devin Haney to Queensberry about his fight tonight against Norman Jr. “Saturday night will be a great night for me and my team. They will have a lot of fun and showcase a lot of skills.”

A victory for Haney tonight would temporarily make him the #1 welterweight in the division, provided the win isn’t tainted in controversy. Some boxing fans suspect that Devin could be given a division if the fight is close or even if it’s not.

Could Controversy Linger?

They view it as Haney being the A-side, the more popular fighter, with a massive rematch against Ryan Garcia waiting for 2026; there’s a chance of him being given a decision that he didn’t deserve. Hopefully, we don’t see controversy in this fight, as it would be a black eye for the event.

Who Leaves No.1 at 147?

If Haney dethrones Norman Jr tonight, he’d still need to prove that he can beat his former conqueror, Garcia, to prove he’s the rightful King of the 147-lb division. Ryan showed last year that he was the kryptonite for Haney’s punch-and-grab style of fighting.

“I’m going to showcase a lot of everything. I think I’m going to put on a great performance,” said Haney about his prediction tonight.