This matchup is stylistically one of the most intriguing recent fights for both Haney and Norman. It is a clash of philosophies and approaches inside the ring.

Brian Norman is an aggressive fighter. But his aggression is not about constantly walking forward and smothering his opponent. Norman is simply always present at a distance where he can attack. And given his punching power, this forces opponents to worry, to think about every action — and to make mistakes.

If his opponent initiates the attack, Norman can give ground. He can step back, let the opponent in. All of this is done to draw them into exchanges and land his signature heavy combinations.

Haney, on the other hand, is a purely defensive fighter — especially after the loss to Ryan Garcia, which was later overturned due to Garcia’s failed drug test.

In the lightweight division, Devin felt more comfortable trading punches thanks to his size advantage. But after the Garcia fight, he has not shown the same form. Against José Carlos Ramirez, Haney mostly boxed at range, preventing his opponent from closing the distance.

It must be said, however, that he does this at an elite level. His sharp jab, understanding of foot speed, and ability to create angles for exits are so refined that catching or stopping him is extremely difficult.

Norman is only 24 and clearly lacks experience in major fights. Haney emphasizes this, saying he hardly recognizes any of Norman’s previous opponents.

Norman’s biggest names: Cuevas, Santillan, Sasaki.

Haney’s biggest names: Lomachenko, Garcia, Prograis, Kambosos, Gamboa, Diaz, Linares.

Even considering some were past their prime — and the Lomachenko result is disputed — Haney’s résumé is a major advantage.

Interestingly, Norman — the more aggressive fighter — actually throws fewer punches on average: around 374 per fight, compared to Haney’s 447.

But this statistic is misleading without considering the number of rounds.

Haney has not fought fewer than 12 rounds since 2019, when he stopped Zaur Abdullaev. Norman has never gone past 10 rounds — either the fights were shorter, or he stopped opponents early.

Accuracy also favors Haney. Overall accuracy: Haney — 27%, Norman — 20%.

The jab gap is more noticeable: Haney — 23%, Norman — 15%.

At the same time, Norman is extremely consistent. His activity rarely drops mid-fight. His style allows him to pace himself well and maintain similar output from start to finish.

Norman also distributes his attacks better: 22.4% to the body, compared to Haney’s 12.3%.

Haney had one fight in 2025, but it gave him more rounds than both of Norman’s camp-and-KOs combined. Yet quantity isn’t everything.

Haney vs. Ramirez was a solid win but an uninspiring performance, which negatively affected fan perception.

Norman had two camps and two knockouts — Cuevas in 3, Sasaki in 5. This clearly boosted his confidence, and leading into the Haney fight he behaves as if he knows exactly how he will win.

Haney insists he will punch differently at welterweight. He doesn’t need to cut as much weight anymore and expects improved strength and sharpness.

But the facts remain: Norman comes in with a streak of stoppages and Haney’s knockout drought is long.

Norman has rarely been tested, though what he did take in exchanges did not create serious problems.

Haney’s chin, however, is not iron. Linares hurt him. Garcia hurt him badly.

Norman punches no worse — and in some ways harder — than that version of Linares.

The real question is whether Norman can land clean on someone as slippery and evasive as Haney.

Haney has fought outside the U.S. before: Mexico and Australia — where he even became an undisputed champion.

Norman fought in Mexico and Japan, where he stopped Sasaki. But neither has fought in Saudi Arabia yet.

One important factor: Haney arrived much earlier than Norman. Brian trained for weeks in the U.S., and climate differences can significantly affect performance — especially in long fights.

Haney feels the pressure — from fans and expectations. He was undisputed, then a big favorite against Garcia, whom he called too basic. One left hook changed his life.

Now he again downplays his opponent, saying Norman hasn’t fought anyone. But perhaps he learned that underestimating opponents is dangerous.

Norman believes in his power. He constantly says one punch is enough to knock out or even injure Haney.

His confidence is high, but he has never faced anyone like Haney.

The real challenge for Norman isn’t just winning — it’s slowing Haney down, and ideally stopping his movement. Power means little if the punch never reaches the target.