In a significant shift within the welterweight division, Devin Haney, a prominent two-division champion, has turned his attention towards a potential clash with WBO welterweight titleholder Brian Norman Jnr. This strategic move follows the departure of unified welterweight champion Jaron \u201cBoots\u201d Ennis to the junior-middleweight class and the abrupt withdrawal of Teofimo Lopez Jnr from ongoing fight negotiations. The Haney camp, spearheaded by Devin's father and manager, Bill Haney, is actively pursuing a deal that promises to be financially appealing for Norman Jnr, laying the groundwork for a highly anticipated showdown that could reshape the landscape of the welterweight division.

Bill Haney, speaking to BoxingScene, conveyed his strong belief that a substantial offer, exceeding what Norman Jnr was seeking for a potential bout against Ennis last year, could entice the WBO champion. \u201cWe\u2019ve made it clear it\u2019s Devin Haney versus everybody, and Brian Norman Jnr is on that list,\u201d Bill Haney stated, emphasizing their intent to make this fight a reality. He further elaborated, \u201cYou guys [Team Norman] said that you wanted more [to fight Ennis]. Well, guess what? We know what your \u2018more\u2019 is, and if you want that to fight Devin \u2018The Dream\u2019 Haney,\u2019 then you can get that next.\u201d This declaration underscores the Haney team's determination to secure a high-profile opponent for Devin, especially after recent complexities in arranging fights.

Brian Norman Jnr, a 24-year-old talent from Georgia, has recently elevated his standing in the boxing world with a series of impressive performances. His latest triumph was a spectacular fifth-round knockout of Jin Sasaki in Japan, a victory that garnered significant attention and reinforced his position as a formidable force in the division. Prior to this, Norman Jnr had also secured a knockout win against Giovanni Santillan in San Diego, showcasing his ability to deliver decisive finishes. Jolene Mizzone, Norman's manager, confirmed that the fighter intends to celebrate his recent success for a few days before resuming his training, indicating his readiness for future challenges.

Devin Haney, with a professional record of 32-0 (15 KOs), is looking to build on his unanimous-decision victory over former unified 140-pound champion Jose Ramirez. This win, secured in New York\u2019s Times Square, marked his return to the ring after a controversial loss to Ryan Garcia in April 2024, which was later reclassified as a no-contest due to Garcia\u2019s positive tests for a banned substance. Despite some criticism regarding his defensive approach in the Ramirez fight, Haney and his father are actively pursuing high-stakes encounters that promise greater excitement and engagement. The previous attempt to arrange an August 16 welterweight bout with WBO 140-pound champion Lopez in Saudi Arabia at 145 pounds ultimately fell through, prompting Haney to seek out Norman Jnr, whose recent knockout of Sasaki has made him a compelling target.

Bill Haney's direct challenge to Norman Jnr highlights the intensity of the current boxing landscape. He referenced Norman's social media activity concerning a potential bout with Jaron Ennis, stating, \u201cYou had one hell of a hellacious knockout down there in Japan against a formidable and game opponent, but you guys lived off social media against \u2018Boots\u2019 Ennis, and you were looking for him \u2026 \u2018Devo\u2019 [Devin] didn\u2019t like that energy, so now that you\u2019ve been disappointed by \u2018Boots,\u2019 we\u2019ve got to fight.\u201d This statement suggests a personal dimension to the pursuit of this fight, signaling Devin Haney's readiness to take on the challenge. Bill Haney asserted that Norman Jnr would receive a highly lucrative offer, adding, \u201cHe [Norman] would be getting everything he could want and ask for. If not, then shut up and get out of our way.\u201d While Bill Haney remained tight-lipped about the potential financier of the bout, previously mentioning Saudi Arabian boxing investor Turki Alalshikh's interest, he emphasized the significant appeal of fighting Devin Haney. He recalled a previous statement from Norman Jnr's father, Brian Norman Snr, who claimed his son deserved $2 million, to which Bill Haney responded, \u201cI said, \u2018Ok, we can get the $2 million. Sign on the dotted line.\u2019\u201d The elder Haney also tweeted to Norman, asking if he would accept the same deal he wanted for Ennis. He confidently stated that his son's "hit list" is unlike anything seen before, underscoring the formidable path ahead for Devin Haney in the welterweight division. The focus now shifts to the intricate negotiations required to transform this proposed high-stakes encounter into a confirmed event, a process that demands meticulous effort and strategic planning to navigate the complexities of professional boxing deals.

The boxing world anticipates the outcome of these negotiations, eager to see if a significant welterweight clash between two rising stars, Devin Haney and Brian Norman Jnr, will materialize. This potential encounter promises to deliver an exhilarating display of skill and determination, further enriching the sport's competitive landscape.