By Elliot Raines: Coach Kenny Ellis says whether Devin Haney can go the total 12-round distance with WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. on November twenty second will come right down to whether he’s still fighting “shy” like he showed in his last fight earlier this yr on May 2.
The Look of Panic within the Ramirez Fight
Ellis saw lots of fear in Haney (32-0, 16 KOs), noting that he had the look of “panic” to him in his fight against former WBC and WBO light welterweight champion Jose Ramirez on May 2. He states that if Devin fights like that against Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs), he won’t make it past the halfway point.
Haney-Norman Jr. are fighting within the co-feature slot on DAZN PPV on The Ring IV David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde card on the ANB Arena in Riyadh. It’s a must-win fight for Haney, as there’s a probability that he could fight a rematch with Ryan Garcia if he’s victorious.
“It relies on whether Haney is shy. Within the last fight, he was shy. He wasn’t moving with skills. He was moving like more of a panic,” said coach Kenny Ellnis to MillCity Boxing when asked if Devin Haney can go 12 rounds with Brian Norman Jr. on November twenty second. “It’s a difference.
Haney could have to be “shy” if he doesn’t need to put his chin on the road, and wind up like Norman Jr’s last challenger, Jin Sasaki, earlier this yr on June 19, 2025. He got knocked out cold within the fifth round. Norman Jr. punches harder than Ryan Garcia, and he had Devin on the canvas thrice of their fight in April 2024.
Can Haney revert back to the fighter he was before Ryan got to him in time for him to dethrone Norman Jr. on November twenty second? He looked like he was still shaken from his frontline duty against Garcia.
Haney’s Size Edge Is Gone at 147
Realistically, it’s unlikely with no mind meld to snap Haney back to the best way he fought when he was campaigning at 135. But back then, he was much larger than his opponents, and he never fought any big punchers. So, he could get away with fighting aggressively together with his size advantage and his weaker opponents. He can’t do this against Norman Jr. It will be fun to see Devin try, but the top results might be bad for him.
“So, if he could do it with skill, it might be a 12-round decision. If he does in there panicking, I don’t see it going past the halfway mark,” said Ellis about Haney getting knocked out by the sixth round if he’s panicking.
Elliot Raines has covered British and European boxing since 2010. Known for his sharp pen and low tolerance for hype, Raines dissects the game’s politics, promoters, and paper champions with dry precision.
Last Updated on 11/06/2025