Lance Pugmire experiences that WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr has “verbally agreed” to face Devin Haney “later this 12 months,” doubtlessly this coming November.
Norman (28-0, 22 KO) has emerged as Jaron Ennis’ inheritor obvious for the division, asserting his arrival with a dramatic beatdown of the red-hot Giovani Santillan earlier than following up with maulings of Derrieck Cuevas and Jin Sasaki, the latter of which stays the frontrunner for Knockout of the Yr. He seems to be coming into his personal on the age of 24 and has persistently confirmed himself must-watch TV.
Haney (32-0, 15 KO), his most adorned opponent thus far, will enter the ring in very totally different circumstances. Ryan Garcia’s failed drug take a look at wasn’t practically sufficient to revive the luster Haney misplaced of their struggle and his ring return, a grievously boring resolution over the light Jose Ramirez, did not cowl the distinction.
That is do-or-die for Haney and an opportunity for Norman to introduce himself to the final boxing public. With Mario Barrios occupied and the WBA and IBF belts in want of recent homeowners, I just like the matchmaking right here.