Boxing is a sport where fighters chase two things: money and glory. Sometimes they come together, but often fighters must choose between a big payday and a meaningful fight. The sport’s history is filled with champions who picked easy money over tough challenges. Floyd Mayweather made a fortune fighting smaller opponents in his later years. Canelo Alvarez has been criticized for cherry picking certain matchups to protect his brand value. <\/p>
Devin Haney is a representation of a modern boxer. The former undisputed lightweight champion has money in the bank already from his successful title reign. His battles with Ryan Garcia, George Kambosos, and Regis Prograis earned him millions of dollars and worldwide recognition. Now he’s moving up to welterweight with a clear mission. He wants to join boxing’s exclusive three division champion club. That goal means more to him than any single fight purse could offer. On November 22nd in Riyadh, Haney steps up to challenge Brian Norman Jr for the WBO welterweight title, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for both men.<\/p>
The buildup to this welterweight clash has been fascinating to watch unfold. Haney doesn’t hide his confidence when discussing Norman Jr, and fans can’t blame him for feeling that way. The man has been competing at the highest level for nearly eight years now. He faced killers like Ryan Garcia, Regis Prograis, and George Kambosos Jr in their prime. <\/p>
Norman Jr, while talented, hasn’t been tested against that caliber of opposition yet. His biggest win came against Jin Sasaki in Japan, which was impressive but hardly world shaking. The power puncher from Georgia brings legitimate knockout ability to this fight though. Norman Jr has finished several opponents with devastating combinations, and his physical strength advantage could play a role. <\/p>
What makes Haney’s approach refreshing is his honest admission about motivation at this stage of his career. The 26 year old is chasing something much more valuable than money; a place among boxing<\/a>‘s all time greats. Taking to X, this is what he said,<\/p> “I don’t fight for money.. I fight for legacy<\/em><\/strong>, I want to be mentioned with the greats when it’s over! 3 division champion Nov 22nd InshaAllah”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>