Devin Haney faces one of the biggest challenges of his career on November 22, when he meets undefeated WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of The Ring IV: Night of the Champions card airing live on DAZN PPV. Yet even with a third world title potentially on the line, Haney admits that nothing may surpass the feeling of becoming undisputed lightweight champion in 2022.
“It would definitely be a milestone for me,” Haney told The Ring. “I think becoming the undisputed champion, it would be hard to outrank because it was a crazy achievement, especially to go to Australia and win all of the belts like that. [But] this would definitely be a huge milestone for me and a dream come true.”
Haney (32-0, 15 KOs, 1 NC) defended his undisputed lightweight crown twice: first defeating George Kambosos Jr. in their rematch, then edging Vasiliy Lomachenko in a tight decision. Moving up in weight, he captured the WBC 140-pound title with a dominant shutout of Regis Prograis.
After a controversial bout with Ryan Garcia was ruled a no-contest due to Garcia’s failed drug tests, Haney returned with a points win over Jose Ramirez in May. Now, the 25-year-old looks to add a third division world title to his résumé.
Norman, just 24 years old, has built a reputation as one of boxing’s most dangerous rising punchers, coming off a spectacular fifth-round knockout of Jin Sasaki in June.
“I've always wanted to be a welterweight world champion, and now this is my shot,” Haney said. “I’m very excited for it, and looking forward to it.”
Image Credit: DAZN