Devin Haney Wins WBO Welterweight Title Over Norman

Devin Haney captured the WBO welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over champion Brian Norman Jr. on Saturday night at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 27-year-old former undisputed lightweight champion outpointed Norman over 12 rounds, with judges scoring the bout 114-113, 116-111 and 117-110, improving his record to 33-0 with 15 knockouts.

Haney's win came at the Ring IV event promoted by Turki Alalshikh, marking his second victory at 147 pounds after a decision over Jose Ramirez in May 2025. In the ring against Norman, who entered with a 28-1 record and 22 knockouts, Haney relied on a defensive strategy that included frequent clinching to neutralize the challenger's power. The American dropped Norman with a right hand in the second round, his only significant highlight in a fight that drew criticism from observers for its lack of action. Haney landed just 70 of 271 punches thrown, focusing on movement and grappling to frustrate his opponent. Norman, making his third defense of the belt after a fifth-round stoppage of Jin Sasaki in June, pressed forward but could not overcome the tactics.

Post-fight, Haney expressed confidence in his approach,...