STWF Sports|Nov. 19, 2025 – Devin Haney insists fans will see the best version of “The Dream” when he steps into the ring as a welterweight for the first time on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The undefeated star (32-0) challenges Brian Norman Jr. (28-0) for the WBO welterweight title — a matchup that marks both a bold leap up in weight and a new era in Haney’s already decorated career.
For years, Haney pushed his body to the limit to make 135lbs and later 140lbs. Now, as he prepares for his first world title bout at 147lbs, he acknowledges that the extreme weight cuts were far more damaging than fans may have realized.
“I Was Shrinking Myself”: Haney Reflects on Punishing Weight Cuts
Haney, a former undisputed lightweight champion who also won the WBC belt at super lightweight, admits he still doesn’t quite understand how he made those weight limits for so long.
“I was shrinking myself down to 135 and 140 because there was so much at stake,” Haney said.
“It was tough. But I’m more of my natural self now. I’m not focusing on weight — I’m focusing on skill and perfecting myself.”
And the results, he promises, will be obvious when he steps into the ring.
“I feel a lot stronger, faster, better in every way. It will show on November 22 how good Devin Haney really is with the type of performance I put on.”
A Transformed Physique and a Transformed Fighter
Images of Haney during his lightweight days often showed him drawn and gaunt on the scales — a clear sign of the brutal sacrifices required to make weight. At 147lbs, the difference is stark.
Haney’s frame has filled out dramatically. He remains shredded, but now carries real muscle density rather than the tight, dehydrated look of his lower-weight years.
“I feel replenished,” he said simply — a word boxing insiders know carries enormous weight.
A New Diet, A Better Haney
Part of Haney’s evolution has come from a dramatic overhaul of his diet. For the first time in years, he is no longer starving himself to remain competitive.
“Eating a lot more is good for the mind and the body,” Haney explained.
“I had to be a lot more strict with what I ate before. My nutritionist makes me what I want in moderation — steaks, burgers, banana pudding. I can eat my favourite foods. That wasn’t possible before.”
For a fighter once obsessed with making weight, that freedom has translated into a sense of joy and creativity — both in training and in life.
No Easy Welterweight Debut — Haney Runs Toward the Fire
Haney could have chosen a softer entry into the welterweight division. Instead, he picked Brian Norman Jr., arguably the most dangerous champion at 147lbs and fresh off a Knockout of the Year performance against Jin Sasaki.
But Haney wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It has always been my plan to pick the best guy and take over the weight class,” he said.
“This fight is no different. It has always been a dream of mine to be a welterweight champion.”
Haney’s résumé already includes wins over Vasyl Lomachenko, Jorge Linares, Joseph Diaz, and George Kambosos Jr. — opponents few fighters his age would dare tackle back-to-back.
Now, he’s ready to add Norman Jr. to that list.
“I’m On Another Level”
Haney is respectful of Norman’s pedigree, but not intimidated by it.
“Brian Norman is a good fighter. I cannot take anything away from him,” Haney said.
“But I’m on another level — and it will show. I’m going to go in there, have fun, and win with a dominant victory.”
And he’s clear about his goals after Saturday night.
“Once I’ve done that, I’m coming for all those belts.”
A hungrier, stronger, fully nourished Devin Haney has arrived — and if he performs the way he insists he can, the welterweight division may be facing a new king.
