Devin Haney Claims WBO Welterweight Title in Dominant Riyadh Victory
Devin Haney has claimed the WBO welterweight title with a dominant unanimous decision over Brian Norman Jr. The fight took place on the night of November 22-23, 2025, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This victory marks Haney’s third division championship, solidifying his status as one of boxing’s elite fighters.
Haney entered the bout looking to rebound from a tough 2024, which included a loss to Ryan Garcia and a debated win over Jose Ramirez in his welterweight debut. Against Norman Jr., he showed improved strength and sharpness, particularly behind a relentless jab that controlled the middle rounds.
Norman Jr., now 28-1 with 22 KOs, displayed resilience after a heavy knockdown in Round 2. He fought back competitively in the clinch but struggled to match Haney’s pace and precision. The judges’ scorecards reflected Haney’s dominance, securing his 33rd professional win (15 KOs).
After the fight, Haney made it clear he plans to defend his title against all challengers. His father and trainer, Bill Haney, avoided naming a specific opponent for the first defence. However, a rematch with Ryan Garcia remains a strong possibility, as does a potential unification clash with WBC champion Mario Barrios in January—a fight that could set the stage for even bigger bouts in 2026.
Haney’s successful move to welterweight adds another chapter to his career. The win over Norman Jr. proves his ability to perform at the higher weight, while future matchups could further define his legacy. With Garcia and Barrios looming as potential opponents, the division is set for high-stakes showdowns in the coming year.
