Haney Targets Third Division Title in Norman Jr Crossroads Clash
Former Undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney aims to become a three-division ruler when he challenges current welterweight title holder Brian Norman Jr this weekend.
‘The Dream’ has reigned at both lightweight and light-welterweight in his career so far, but now continues his push for further gold at 147 pounds, following the release of his Limited-Edition Haney x Sparring Club Tee.
This will mark Haney’s first career fight at the full-fledged welterweight limit, having overcome Jose Ramirez last time out at a contracted 144 pounds match-up last May.
Meanwhile, Norman Jr seeks the third successful defence of his welterweight title following back-to-back knockout victories over Derrieck Cuevas and Jin Sasaki so far this year.
With high stakes on the line for both men, here’s everything you need to know with a full Haney vs Norman Jr fight preview ahead of the action on a stacked Ring IV: Night of the Champions card.
LIMITED RELEASE: HANEY x SPARRING CLUB
The new Limited-Edition Devin Haney x Sparring Club Oversized Tee is available online now. Limited release. No restocks. Shop now.
When is Haney vs Norman Jr?
This 12-round welterweight world title fight will take place on Saturday, November 22nd.
Where is Haney vs Norman Jr taking place?
Haney vs Norman Jr will be held at The ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is a new state-of-the-art venue which can hold 22,000 fans.
What time does Haney vs Norman Jr start?
The undercard is expected to begin from 7:00 pm BST / 2:00 pm ET / 11:00 am PT, with the main event scheduled for approximately 01:00 am BST / 8:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm PT.
Haney vs Norman Jr live stream
This whole fight card will be streamed live on DAZN.
Full Haney vs Norman Jr Undercard
Here’s the full Haney vs Norman Jr undercard line-up below.
David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde
Brian Norman Jr vs Devin Haney
Abdullah Mason vs Sam Noakes
Jesse Rodriguez vs Fernando Martinez
Vito Mielnicki Jr vs Samuel Nmomah
Haney vs Norman Jr Fight Preview
In an interesting clash of styles, the dangerous power-punching of undefeated champion Norman Jr will be put to the test against the precision and ring IQ of Haney.
The defending welterweight champion is explosive and aggressive, but relies on timing and pressure to fold his opponents, rather than being a wild brawler.
Last time out, Norman Jr put Sasaki out cold and bounced his head off the canvas with his trademark left hook. The Japanese fighter was hit so hard that he lost six weeks of memory from the knockout.
Haney will be cautious of that key shot here, with his key troubles against Ryan Garcia having been the left hook.
But the 27-year-old remains a fundamentally elite fighter despite recent criticism, possessing footwork, defence, and the ability to dictate the tempo behind a sharp jab.
Haney is still one of the most intelligent fighters in the sport and has insisted he feels a lot stronger and more durable since moving up to 147 pounds.
Against Norman Jr, a heavy-handed pressure fighter who is the natural welterweight, Haney will need to utilise his entire skillset for long stretches of this title clash to avoid what would be seen as an upset in Riyadh.
“For this opportunity, for me to be champion again. For me to be here in Riyadh, this is a dream come true,” stated Haney in the build-up.
“I look how I feel. Nice and healthy. I think the world will see much more of my natural and best self – what I am when I’m sparring.
“I feel as though I’ve been depleting myself most of my fights and hurting myself, making weight and leaving it all in the gym. It will show on November 22nd.”
Despite entering proceedings as the champion and boasting an unblemished 28-0 career record, including 22 stoppages so far, Norman Jr is regarded as the underdog. But it doesn’t bother him.
“We’re about that action boss. Come Saturday, we’re on that,” said Norman Jr.
“This is what I’m accustomed to, and this is who I am. I’m the real definition of a World Champion. I’ll go anywhere and everywhere, and I will stamp my flag. My name is ‘The Assassin’ for a reason. Once I sign the contract, it’s like that.
“Knock him out. Most definitely, I’m not trying to go 12 rounds. I don’t trust no judges at all. God gave me the power to judge myself so I’m going to go out there and use it.”
From making his professional debut at just 17 years old in Mexico to becoming Undisputed champion, Haney has been chasing greatness throughout his entire career.
Now, with doubts still surrounding him, ‘The Dream’ looks to silence the critics and cement his legacy by becoming a three-division ruler on ‘Night of the Champions’.
LIMITED RELEASE: HANEY x SPARRING CLUB
The new Limited-Edition Devin Haney x Sparring Club Oversized Tee is available now ahead of fight night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Limited release. No restocks.