Devin Haney seemed happy after watching a video clip today of Brian Norman Jr. saying he’s going to “kill” him this Saturday night on November 22nd in their welterweight battle in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
WBO 147-lb champion Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs), who is the betting favorite heading into Saturday’s clash, pointed out that Haney (32-0, 16 KOs) repeats himself a lot and can’t think for himself. He mentions that the former two-division world champion repeats stuff that he heard Floyd Mayweather Jr. say, using it for his material rather than coming up with his own ideas.
Devin Not the Same Without Bill
Norman Jr. vs. Haney will be fighting on the undercard of David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde on Ring IV this Saturday, November 22nd, on DAZN PPV. Of all the fights on this stacked card, Haney-Norman Jr. is the one that is receiving the most attention by far.
Norman Jr. isn’t the only one who’s noticed that Haney has nothing to say. Many fans view him as a bland individual, lacking a personality. People say that now, with his charismatic, Oakland, California-raised father, Bill Haney, no longer speaking for him, they’re seeing for the first time how dull Devin is. He’s not able to connect with the fans the way Bill did with his Oakland-speak.
Norman Jr. Sees a Fighter Without Identity
“He doesn’t know how to think for himself. So, he’s trying to steal Floyd’s whole flow. He heard Floyd say he’s ‘Really a C+ fighter’ so he’s trying to come with the whole thing,” said Brian Norman Jr. to Ring Magazine, ripping Devin Haney for his inability to think for himself.
“As you can see, he’s really got nothing to say on me besides that right there. ‘He really hasn’t fought anybody. He’s really a bum. He’s really not on my level.’ You’re saying the same things in different ways. Literally, just that right there,” said Norman Jr. about how Devin sounds like a broken record.”
If Norman Jr. destroys Haney on Saturday night, it won’t matter that he’s devoid of a personality and has nothing interesting to say. His career will be a sinking ship, and not even Turki Alalshikh can save him from going under.
If Haney can’t handle competing with the best at 147, he’ll be heading towards the journeyman stage soon. He can’t be artificially kept afloat by Turki if he lacks the chin, power, and courage needed to survive with the sharks at welterweight.
Norman’s “Kill You” Line Sets the Tone
“I’m just going to say I’m fixing to kill you, boy. That’s it. I’m not trying to play no mind games or anything like that. You’re getting this work. It’s as simple as that,” said Norman Jr. about Haney.
“November 22nd is right around the corner. He said he’s going to kill me. So, we’ll see,” said Haney.
Haney’s Smile Looks Out of Place
The “kill” comment from Norman Jr. put a smile on Haney’s face, and he clearly enjoyed that little remark. He may feel that he’s gotten under Norman Jr’s skin. I don’t know that it’ll help Haney inside the ring on Saturday night because he’s going to be hunted regardless.