Devin Haney, the youngest undisputed champion in the world of boxing, is on the brink of another historic moment. His upcoming fight against undefeated WBO welterweight titleholder Brian Norman Jr will mark his first foray into the 147-pound division, and many are predicting a thrilling contest that could change the landscape of professional boxing.
Haney's journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. The 26-year-old American boxer made history by unifying all four lightweight belts at 135 pounds just two years ago, becoming one of the youngest champions in the division's history. His impressive record is a testament to his hard work and dedication, which have earned him widespread recognition as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.
However, Haney's meteoric rise has not been without its setbacks. His highly publicized fight against Ryan Garcia ended in disappointment when he was knocked down three times before being declared the winner by majority decision. The loss sparked a media firestorm, with many questioning whether Haney could take a punch and if his record was built on luck rather than skill.
But Haney is not one to dwell on past mistakes. Instead, he has used the experience as motivation to improve and come back stronger. In recent months, he has been training at an incredible pace, honing his skills and building up his strength in preparation for this fight against Norman.
What makes this bout particularly intriguing is that it pits Haney's speed and agility against Norman's formidable power and aggression. Norman, 28 years old and undefeated at 28-0 with 22 knockouts, is known for his devastating left hook, which has already proven deadly in several high-profile victories.
Despite the challenges ahead, Haney remains confident in his abilities and is determined to emerge victorious. "I feel great: strong, sharp, happy," he says, his trademark calm demeanor a far cry from the turmoil that followed his loss against Garcia. "At 135, I was fighting the scale more than the guy in front of me. I'd make weight, and feel drained. Now I can eat. I can train for skills, not survival."
This upcoming fight marks Haney's first test as a welterweight, and he is determined to prove himself against one of the best fighters in the division. "I want to fight the best available guys," he says, his focus unwavering. "Ryan lost and didn't want it. So what better guy than the best one right now at 147?"
In a recent interview, Haney revealed that he has become his own dealmaker, negotiating directly with promoters including Turki al-Sheikh, who is behind Riyadh Season, a high-profile boxing promotion that promises to bring together some of the biggest names in the sport.
For Haney, this fight against Norman represents more than just personal satisfaction; it's also an opportunity to prove himself and cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats. "We set a goal as a kid," he says, his eyes locked on the horizon. "I want my name to be mentioned with the greats when it's all said and done. I won't stop until I get there."
As Haney prepares to face off against Norman in what promises to be an epic battle, one thing is certain: this young champion has shown time and again that he can rise from the ashes and emerge stronger than ever. "They said I couldn't punch," he says with a grin. "They said I couldn't take a punch. But I got up. I'm still here."
Haney's journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. The 26-year-old American boxer made history by unifying all four lightweight belts at 135 pounds just two years ago, becoming one of the youngest champions in the division's history. His impressive record is a testament to his hard work and dedication, which have earned him widespread recognition as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.
However, Haney's meteoric rise has not been without its setbacks. His highly publicized fight against Ryan Garcia ended in disappointment when he was knocked down three times before being declared the winner by majority decision. The loss sparked a media firestorm, with many questioning whether Haney could take a punch and if his record was built on luck rather than skill.
But Haney is not one to dwell on past mistakes. Instead, he has used the experience as motivation to improve and come back stronger. In recent months, he has been training at an incredible pace, honing his skills and building up his strength in preparation for this fight against Norman.
What makes this bout particularly intriguing is that it pits Haney's speed and agility against Norman's formidable power and aggression. Norman, 28 years old and undefeated at 28-0 with 22 knockouts, is known for his devastating left hook, which has already proven deadly in several high-profile victories.
Despite the challenges ahead, Haney remains confident in his abilities and is determined to emerge victorious. "I feel great: strong, sharp, happy," he says, his trademark calm demeanor a far cry from the turmoil that followed his loss against Garcia. "At 135, I was fighting the scale more than the guy in front of me. I'd make weight, and feel drained. Now I can eat. I can train for skills, not survival."
This upcoming fight marks Haney's first test as a welterweight, and he is determined to prove himself against one of the best fighters in the division. "I want to fight the best available guys," he says, his focus unwavering. "Ryan lost and didn't want it. So what better guy than the best one right now at 147?"
In a recent interview, Haney revealed that he has become his own dealmaker, negotiating directly with promoters including Turki al-Sheikh, who is behind Riyadh Season, a high-profile boxing promotion that promises to bring together some of the biggest names in the sport.
For Haney, this fight against Norman represents more than just personal satisfaction; it's also an opportunity to prove himself and cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats. "We set a goal as a kid," he says, his eyes locked on the horizon. "I want my name to be mentioned with the greats when it's all said and done. I won't stop until I get there."
As Haney prepares to face off against Norman in what promises to be an epic battle, one thing is certain: this young champion has shown time and again that he can rise from the ashes and emerge stronger than ever. "They said I couldn't punch," he says with a grin. "They said I couldn't take a punch. But I got up. I'm still here."