Devin Haney, the 26-year-old boxing prodigy, is preparing to reclaim his place atop the sport by aiming to become a three-weight world champion in a highly anticipated bout against the powerful Brian Norman Jr. This fight marks a significant moment in Haney’s career, coming a year and a half after his remarkable ascent was derailed by a turbulent and controversial defeat.
On a rainy day in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, Haney enters Victory Boxing Gym with a quiet focus, accompanied closely by his father and longtime trainer, Bill Haney. Bill’s commanding presence fills the room as he proudly proclaims his son’s accomplishments—the youngest undisputed champion in boxing history, having captured titles on three continents by the age of 26. This dynamic between father and son has been a central force throughout Devin’s journey, with Bill acting as promoter, strategist, and mentor since Devin’s earliest days in the sport. Bill’s unwavering belief in their carefully crafted plan has been instrumental in shaping Devin’s path, from arranging fights abroad when American officials deemed him too young, to leveraging social media to build his son’s profile and hype.
Devin Haney’s talent was evident even as a teenager. When he was just 17, he gained a special exemption to fight professionally in Nevada after compiling an early record in Mexico and competing on a major undercard in Las Vegas. Even then, his hand speed, composure, and ring IQ set him apart from his peers. Almost a decade later, those qualities remain intact, perhaps even sharpened. At the gym, Haney works the pads with former world champion Mickey Bey, demonstrating the smoothness and precision that have become his trademarks.
Haney’s current challenge will see him move up in weight to face Brian Norman Jr. for the WBO welterweight title in Riyadh. The fight represents not only a chance to win a title in a third weight class but also an opportunity for Haney to reassert himself after a difficult period. Speaking ahead of the bout, Haney expressed his enthusiasm for competing at 147 pounds, a division where he no longer has to fight the scale as much as the opponent. “At 135, I was fighting the scale more than the guy in front of me,” he said. “I’d make weight and feel drained. Now I can eat. I can train for skills, not survival.”
Just two years ago, Devin Haney’s career trajectory appeared unstoppable. After defending his WBC lightweight title four times, he traveled to Australia to unify all four major belts at 135 pounds by outpointing George Kambosos Jr. He then decisively defeated Kambosos again in a rematch and followed that with a defining victory over the legendary Vasiliy Lomachenko—an achievement that showcased exceptional nerve and tactical brilliance. Haney further solidified his status by beating Regis Prograis to claim the 140-pound title. By age 25, he was undefeated at 31-0, a two-weight world champion, and ranked among boxing’s elite pound-for-pound fighters.
However, that momentum was abruptly halted in April 2024 during a highly anticipated fight against Ryan Garcia. The buildup to the bout was marred by Garcia’s erratic behavior both publicly and online, creating an atmosphere of chaos and uncertainty. Garcia failed to make weight, tipping the scales at 143.2 pounds—well over the 140-pound limit—giving him a clear physical advantage. Despite these complications, Haney and his team proceeded with the fight.
The match itself shocked the boxing world. Haney was knocked down three times by the same devastating left hook and ultimately lost by majority decision. Although the result was later overturned to a no contest when Garcia tested positive for ostarine, a banned performance-enhancing drug, the images of Haney being repeatedly knocked down left a lasting impact on fans and on Haney himself. The aftermath saw the Haney camp file a lawsuit alleging fraud and battery against Garcia, a move that drew ridicule and was eventually withdrawn. Haney admits that the legal battle was not his preference, saying, “That wasn’t me. That was the business side. I’m a fighter. I want to get it back in blood.”
A rematch, which might have repaired the damage to Haney’s reputation and career, never materialized. Although Haney had signed his part of the contract, Garcia lost his subsequent fight, and the rematch failed