Devin Haney faces a pivotal moment in his boxing career as he prepares to meet Brian Norman in the ring on Saturday. The 26-year-old former undisputed lightweight champion finds himself in a challenging position, especially after a turbulent past 19 months. This journey took a dramatic turn following a contentious match against Ryan Garcia that ended in a no-contest due to Garcia’s positive drug test for the performance-enhancing substance Ostarine. Despite not suffering an official loss, Haney’s reputation has been called into question.
As he gears up for the fight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Haney acknowledges the significance of this match. “This fight is super important because this is a guy who they say is my kryptonite,” he told ESPN. “A win means everything to me. I’ll be a champion again, and it puts me back on top where I once was.”
Haney’s recent performances have raised eyebrows, particularly a lackluster victory over Jose Ramirez in May. A win against Norman, who is currently ranked as ESPN’s No. 1 welterweight, could help shift the narrative surrounding Haney and re-establish him within the sport. Conversely, a loss could jeopardize his standing in boxing before he reaches his peak physical prime.
Haney’s fight against Garcia marked a low point in his career. Although the decision was later overturned, the visual impact of Haney being knocked down three times still lingers in the minds of fans and critics alike. Now, Haney faces Norman, a fighter known for his powerful left hook, adding further pressure to perform well.
Sergio Mora, a former world champion and current commentator, expressed concerns about Haney’s decision to take on such a dangerous opponent. “After the worst night of your life against Ryan Garcia and then looking shell-shocked against Jose Ramirez, why would you fight the hardest puncher at welterweight?” he commented. Mora believes this fight represents a significant risk for Haney but also an opportunity for redemption if he succeeds.
Over the years, Haney has faced ongoing criticism, often labeled as the “e-mail champion” after being elevated to full champion by the WBC in 2019. This title was given when Vasiliy Lomachenko chose not to fight him. Mora argues that the criticism Haney faced was excessive. “He’s not the first fighter to win a vacant title, but he received more backlash than anyone else,” he said, highlighting Haney’s achievements, including wins against George Kambosos and Lomachenko, both recognized fighters.
Despite being an undefeated champion, Haney prefers to adopt the role of the hunter rather than the hunted. “I practice what I preach,” he asserted. “All I want is to fight the best fighters in the world.” His willingness to take on top contenders has often silenced his critics, particularly after impressive performances against notable opponents.
Yet, for every victory, there are reminders of his struggles. The fight against Garcia and the close match with Lomachenko have prompted questions about Haney’s pound-for-pound ranking. “People love to hate me,” he stated in a previous interview. “I embrace it now. What can I do? I am me.”
In the ring, Haney is often compared to the legendary Floyd Mayweather due to his technical style. Mora noted that Haney has followed a trajectory similar to Mayweather’s, facing champion after champion. However, unlike Mayweather, who is known for his defensive prowess, Haney’s style has drawn mixed reviews. Critics argue that he lacks the explosive power of his peers, which may affect his appeal to fans.
Shawn Porter, a former welterweight champion, believes Haney’s public persona does not always align with his performances. “The criticism comes because he presents himself to be one thing,” Porter explained. “He’s flashy and presents himself as flawless, but there are still a lot of questions that Devin Haney has not answered.”
Haney’s association with the so-called “Four Kings” of boxing—alongside Gervonta Davis, Teofimo Lopez, and Ryan Garcia—adds to the scrutiny. This group has been compared to the iconic fighters of the 1980s, yet their collective potential remains unfulfilled. Haney has only fought Garcia from this group, leading to questions about the lack of high-profile matchups among them.
Despite his achievements, Haney struggles with his identity as a fighter. He may lack the distinctive qualities that set his peers apart. “He is straight up and down, no special effects,” Mayweather once remarked. Analysts have suggested that Haney’s instincts, which once defined his fighting style, may have waned following his loss to Garcia.
Porter believes that Haney’s confidence may have been shaken. “His ego got the better of him, and he forgot who he was,” he noted, emphasizing the need for Haney to reconnect with his instincts in the upcoming fight against Norman. The stakes are high, as Mora pointed out; a loss could overshadow Haney’s previous accomplishments.
Nevertheless, Haney remains undeterred by the challenges ahead. “You don’t know if a fighter can take a punch until they actually get hit,” he said, reflecting on his experiences. “I showed up. I got up off the floor, not once, not twice, but three times.”
As the fight approaches, opinions vary on whether this match is a definitive crossroads for Haney. While Mora feels that a loss would not erase Haney’s achievements, Porter believes the way Haney approaches the fight will shape his legacy. Both commentators agree that Haney must deliver an exceptional performance to quell any lingering doubts about his abilities.
Haney’s readiness to face challenges head-on sets him apart. “A lot of people fear the unknown,” he remarked. “Well, the world knows what I’m going to do.” As he looks to regain his place at the top of the sport, Haney’s determination to prove his critics wrong remains evident.
