By Milton Kirby | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | November 23, 2025

Devin Haney added a major chapter to his legacy Saturday night in Riyadh, defeating previously unbeaten Brian Norman Jr. by unanimous decision to claim the WBO welterweight title. This victory makes Haney a three-division world champion and positions him among a select group of fighters with titles at lightweight, super lightweight, and welterweight, highlighting its importance in boxing history.

Norman came out strong in the first round landing punches that got Haney’s attention. In the second round Haney (33-0, 16 KOs) gained his composure and then controlled the tempo of fight with sharp footwork, a steady jab, and a clean knockdown in Round 2 that shifted momentum.

 Judges scored it 114-113, 117-110, and 116-111. The decision brought cheers, debate, and a new wave of conversation about Haney’s style and place in boxing.

After the fight, Haney reflected on how much the moment meant. “In 2024, I lost everything. Tonight I showed I’m back, stronger than ever.”

The victory also answered doubts about whether he could thrive at 147 pounds. His last outing at a 144-pound catchweight was steady but raised questions after the knockdowns he suffered against Ryan Garcia in 2024. Against Norman, he looked composed and in control.

Norman Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) came in with a reputation as one of the division’s most dangerous punchers. His knockout of Jin Sasaki in June was still being called one of the year’s best. Many analysts predicted the outcome before the bell: if it went long, the edge would be with Haney; if someone got stopped, it would be Norman doing the stopping.

Norman pushed forward all night. He forced exchanges, targeted the body, and tried to trap Haney on the ropes. But Haney used angles, clinches, and precise counters to slow Norman’s attack. His discipline allowed him to take control of the middle rounds and build a lead.

Round 1 saw Norman pressing with heavy shots, though Haney stayed calm behind the jab. In Round 2, Haney dropped him with a sharp right hand and opened a cut, giving him the edge.

Norman rallied in Rounds 3 and 5 with strong body work and a right hand that shook Haney. Haney responded with steady jabs, clean counters, and footwork that made Norman miss more as the rounds went on, creating a dynamic back-and-forth that kept viewers on edge.

By Round 8, Haney was in full control, landing jabs and uppercuts while Norman showed frustration. Norman tried to force the action again in Rounds 10 and 12, hoping for a late knockout, but Haney stayed disciplined and sealed the win.

The scorecards fueled the night’s biggest debate. Supporters said Haney’s clean punching and defense were decisive, while critics argued Norman’s pressure and power should have been more rewarded. Many fans questioned the wide 117-110 card, and talk of a rematch began almost immediately, keeping the discussion alive among boxing fans and analysts.

Norman voiced his frustration after the fight, saying Haney “didn’t want to fight — he wanted to survive,” echoing the view of fans who criticize Haney’s safety-first tactics. Haney’s supporters countered that neutralizing a knockout artist is part of the sport’s craft.

The night reflected a wider tension in modern boxing: technical skill versus punishing aggression. Haney’s discipline muted much of Norman’s offense, while Norman’s pressure gave the fight its edge.

Media reaction captured that divide. Yahoo Sports framed the event as part of Haney’s redemption arc. DAZN highlighted his knockdown and steady jab. Boxing News Online praised his ability to neutralize a dangerous puncher. ESPN’s Timothy Bradley Jr. said Haney answered questions about whether he could handle welterweight power. Boxing247 contrasted Norman’s promise of a “violent reality check” with Haney’s calm execution.

With the win, Haney joins a small list of fighters to win titles at lightweight, super lightweight, and welterweight. Norman, who loses for the first time, remains one of the most dangerous young contenders in the division.

Devin Haney:

“In 2024, I lost everything. Everything came crashing on me. Tonight I showed I’m back, and I’m stronger than ever.”

He added that becoming a three-division champion proved his resilience: “They doubted me, but I keep proving them wrong.”

Brian Norman Jr.:

Before the fight, he promised, “No matter what, that boy is going to sleep.”

After the loss, he said Haney’s style stopped him from fighting his fight, arguing that Haney “didn’t want to fight — he wanted to survive.”

Haney now holds titles at lightweight, super lightweight, and welterweight — a rare achievement in modern boxing. He also improved to 33-0 with 16 KOs.

Norman falls to 28-1 with 22 KOs, but at only 25 years old, he remains a major threat at welterweight and a contender to watch in future matchups.

Further, the win was clear to some, controversial to others. Supporters say Haney’s clean punching, defense, and control earned the victory. Critics argue Norman’s pressure and heavier shots were undervalued.

As Riyadh’s lights dim and the dust settles, the boxing world is left debating not only the scorecards but the broader question of what defines victory in the sport: technical brilliance or punishing dominance.

Haney walked in with questions hanging over him — and walked out a three-weight world champion.

Haney’s win forces boxing to confront its eternal question: is greatness defined by dominance or by discipline? In Riyadh, the judges chose discipline.

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