Emerging as a promising force in the boxing world, WBO welterweight champion Norman, who boasts an impressive record of 28 wins, 22 by knockout, and 1 no contest, exudes confidence in his power, claiming he aims to deliver a knockout in every match. The Atlanta native sees his upcoming fight against Devin Haney as a significant opportunity to elevate his reputation within the boxing community, particularly after his recent knockout victory over Japan’s Jin Sasaki. That fight, held on June 19 at Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, showcased Norman’s striking prowess and has been hailed as a frontrunner for “Knockout of the Year” for its stunning left hook that left Sasaki unconscious.
In addition to his knockout capability, Norman believes his ring intelligence, technical proficiency, and other attributes are often underrated. Excited for the impending challenge against Haney, who holds an unblemished record of 32 wins, Norman looks to display his full range of skills against an established champion. The bout, which is part of the upcoming Riyadh Season events in Saudi Arabia, has been announced by Turki Alalshikh, with the date yet to be finalized.
Norman emphasizes that there’s more to his repertoire than just raw power. “People often misconstrue me as just a puncher,” he remarked, highlighting his strategic thinking and advanced footwork. He admires Haney’s advanced skill set, particularly his footwork, noting that this matchup offers him a prime chance to showcase his skills against a fighter with a solid track record.
Haney, celebrated for his boxing intelligence and ability to adapt in the ring, recently added the WBC junior welterweight title to his accolades by defeating Regis Prograis. Despite a brief setback with a no-contest against Ryan Garcia due to a doping violation in the latter’s camp, Haney’s resilience, demonstrated when he rose from three knockdowns in that fight, has cemented his status in boxing.
Following some scrutiny of his conservative fighting style in a unanimous points win over former champion Jose Ramirez earlier this year, Haney is expected to adopt a more aggressive strategy against Norman. Norman anticipates that Haney will attempt to establish his presence early, especially to assert his reputation as “still The Dream.”
With both fighters bringing unique strengths and mindsets into the ring, the upcoming encounter is not only highly anticipated but also promises to be a significant moment in both their careers. The clash of their contrasting styles and the stakes involved offers a thrilling prospect for boxing fans worldwide.