A high-stakes welterweight championship contest has been officially confirmed, as Brian Norman Jr. is set to defend his World Boxing Organization title against Devin Haney. This eagerly awaited showdown will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the exact date in November yet to be finalized. This bout represents a pivotal moment for both fighters, particularly for Haney, who aims to achieve world champion status in his third distinct weight division.
Devin Haney, at 26 years old, initially had plans for a rematch against Ryan Garcia. However, on the very evening Haney secured a victory over Jose Carlos Ramirez in New York's Times Square, an unexpected turn of events saw Garcia suffer a defeat at the hands of Rolando “Rolly” Romero. Following this, negotiations commenced for a potential encounter with junior welterweight talent Teofimo Lopez. These discussions, however, ultimately proved unfruitful, paving the way for the 24-year-old Norman Jr. to rise in prominence. His stock significantly increased after an impressive fifth-round stoppage of Japanese contender Jin Sasaki in Tokyo.
With Jaron “Boots” Ennis making the move to junior middleweight, the contest between Norman Jr. and Haney emerged as arguably the most compelling fight that could be arranged within the 147-pound division. For Devin Haney, the former undisputed lightweight king, this fight offers a monumental opportunity to etch his name in history by securing a world championship in a third weight class, underscoring his remarkable versatility and championship aspirations in the sport.
The announcement regarding this major boxing event was made by Turki Alalshikh, who conveyed the news through social media. Alalshikh stated, “In November in Riyadh, Brian Norman Jnr will defend his welterweight title versus Devin Haney on a Riyadh Season card. More exciting surprises to come.” Haney himself echoed the sentiment, posting, “Three division champion. November Inshallah.” This highly anticipated clash is expected to be a highlight of the upcoming Riyadh Season, a major entertainment and sports festival.
This impending championship battle between Norman Jr. and Haney underscores the dynamic and competitive nature of the welterweight division. Both athletes bring formidable skills and impressive records to the ring, promising a captivating spectacle for boxing enthusiasts worldwide. The outcome will not only impact the trajectory of their individual careers but also shape the landscape of the welterweight class in professional boxing for the foreseeable future.