Devin Haney Triumphs Over Brian Norman to Capture WBO Welterweight Title, Taunts Rival After Knockdown!

Table of Contents

1. Haney Becomes World Champion
2. Overcoming Past Defeats
3. Fight Summary
4. Future Plans

DEVIN HANEY outperformed Brian Norman to claim the world championship, putting to rest any lingering doubts from his past.

Haney experienced a devastating defeat in New York in 2024 when he was knocked down three times before losing a decision to Ryan Garcia.

Devin Haney dominated Brian Norman over 12 roundsCredit: Getty He taunted Norman after scoring a knockdownCredit: Getty Haney celebrating with the WBO titleCredit: Reuters

However, that defeat was later changed to a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for ostarine, a substance known to enhance muscle growth.

So, as he entered his rematch against Jose Ramirez in May, he was once again undefeated, but the memories of the Brooklyn loss were still evident.

He relied on his jab and movement throughout 12 challenging rounds, raising concerns about his confidence and ability to take punches.

Many believed that Norman, who had left Jin Sasaki with memory loss after a brutal knockout in June, would pose a significant threat to Haney.

But he proved them wrong.

Haney dominated Norman primarily with his jab, winning the WBO welterweight title and ending an 18-month drought without a championship.

Haney, 26, stated: “In 2024, I lost everything. Everything came crashing down. In 2025, I came to reclaim it. In 2026, I’m coming for everything.”

Haney appeared a bit anxious in the opening round, frequently adjusting his head and feet, possibly anticipating a fast start from Norman.

However, the champion chose to try and out-jab the challenger, which would ultimately be a critical error.

Haney made a significant impact in the second round when he landed a left hook that stunned Norman.

The subsequent right hand knocked Norman down, and Haney celebrated in front of his fallen opponent.

Norman managed to get back on his feet but faced a barrage of punches from Haney, who felt he was just a punch away from finishing the fight early.

Norman took the round but came out aggressively in the third.

Yet, Haney caught Norman with a perfectly timed overhand right and followed up with his powerful jab.

Haney's jab, his strongest weapon, proved decisive throughout the bout.

A leaping left hook and right hand—similar to the combination that led to the knockdown—had Norman looking unsteady in the seventh round.

Norman managed to strike back in the final minute of that round, landing two partially blocked left hooks but missed with the follow-up.

Haney regained control in the eighth round, utilizing a whipping jab thrown from the hip, making it difficult for Norman to anticipate.

Norman found a brief moment of success in the ninth, snapping Haney’s head back with a left.

However, Haney dominated the final three rounds, controlling the action with just his lead hand.

Conor Benn, fresh off his middleweight rematch victory over Chris Eubank Jr., observed from ringside as he plans a return to the 147lb division.

Haney became a three-division champion but faced a surprising challenge with the unusually close scorecards of 114-113, 117-110, and 116-111.

He confirmed his intention to remain at welterweight, with his father and trainer Bill selecting his next opponent.

Haney remarked: “I plan to stay at 147 for a long time. We will take on all challengers; whoever my dad says I fight, I will fight them.”