DEVIN HANEY outclassed Brian Norman to become world champion and put to bed any demons of the past.
Haney suffered a New York horror show in 2024 when he was dropped three times before losing a decision to Ryan Garcia.
But the defeat was later overturned to a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for ostarine – known to boost muscle growth.
So despite heading into his return against Jose Ramirez in May undefeated once more – the scars from the Brooklyn beatdown were there to see.
He jabbed and moved his way over 12 dire rounds, leading to fears over his confidence and punch resistance.
It had many feeling Norman – who left Jin Sasaki with memory loss after his savage left hook KO in June – was all wrong for Haney.
Boy did he prove them wrong.
He schooled Norman – largely with his jab alone – over 12 rounds to win the WBO welterweight title – ending his 18 month spell without a belt.
Haney did come out in the opening round jittery, constantly readjusting his head and feet perhaps sensing Norman start fast.
But the champion didn’t – opting to try and out-jab the challenger – something that would prove to be a fatal mistake.
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Haney dramatically drew first blood in the second round after he beat Norman to the punch to land a left hook – which stunned him.
And the follow up right hand floored Norman – with Haney celebrating in front of his downed opponent.
Norman made it to his feet and had to overcome and onslaught of punches from Haney – who believed he was a punch away from an early night.
Norman surrendered the round to hear the bell and came out for the third firing.
But Haney walked Norman on to a beautifully timed overhand right – before peppering him with a piston jab.
It was the jab of Haney – the best punch in his arsenal – that proved the difference throughout the whole bout.
And a leaping left hook and right hand – a repeat of the knockdown combination – had Norman shaky in round seven.
Norman came back in the final minute of the round, scoring with two partially blocked left hooks, before hitting nothing but air in the follow up.
Haney got the bout under control in the eighth by utilising his whipping jab, thrown from the hip making it hard to see coming.
Norman had a rare glimpse of success in the ninth after snapping Haney’s head back with a left.
But it was business as usual for Haney in the final three rounds, bossing the action with just his lead hand alone.
Conor Benn – fresh of his middleweight rematch win over Chris Eubank Jr – watched from ringside as he plots a move back down to 147lb.
And Haney became a three-division champ but almost faced a scare on the bizarrely tight scorecards of 114-113, 117-110, 116-111.
He confirmed he will stay at welterweight – with his dad and trainer Bill to pick his next opponent.
