Ryan Garcia believes Devin Haney will reclaim momentum by outboxing Brian Norman Jr. when they meet on November 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for Norman’s WBO welterweight title. Garcia said Haney’s movement and defensive skill would be enough to “frustrate” the unbeaten champion and secure victory.
Norman Jr. enters as the betting favorite after impressive stoppage wins over Jin Sasaki and Derriek Cuevas, while Haney has endured back-to-back poor performances against Jose Ramirez and Garcia himself. Once considered a master technician, Haney has struggled to rediscover his rhythm since those setbacks, with critics questioning whether he can handle Norman’s aggression and jab. “If you put Devin Haney in there with that lightweight speed, Brian Norman can go crazy trying to catch him,” Garcia said. “I think Haney is the better fighter, the sharper fighter. I think Haney’s defense is better than Norman’s.”
Watch Haney vs. Norman Jr. highlights.
Garcia’s confidence in Haney, however, may not be entirely selfless. A Haney victory could revive the possibility of a lucrative rematch between the two. “Ryan really needs Haney to beat Norman Jr. in the worst way,” the report noted, as another loss from either fighter would likely derail that opportunity. Promoter Turki Alalshikh, who has invested heavily in major events in Riyadh, is unlikely to fund a Garcia-Haney sequel if both fighters enter off defeats.
Trainer Greg Hackett also weighed in, suggesting that Haney’s defensive movement could offset Norman’s physical advantages, though not without risk. “Norman Jr. has the reach and the better jab,” Hackett explained. “I think there will be times where Devin will fight on the inside and wrap him up.”
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