According to analyst Tim Bradley, fight observers are not paying adequate attention to Brian Norman Jr.’s right hand as he prepares to face Devin Haney this Saturday night at Ring IV in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Bradley emphasizes that while Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs) is often recognized for his left hook, his right hand possesses considerable power and could potentially secure a knockout victory against Haney (32-0, 16 KOs).
Current WBO welterweight titleholder Norman Jr. enters the ring as the anticipated victor in his contest against the determined former two-division world champion, Haney, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh. Nevertheless, a significant number of fans, fighters, and boxing analysts anticipate that Haney’s superior experience, agility, and hand speed will prove insurmountable for Norman Jr.
Bradley’s Rationale for Choosing Norman
The esteemed boxing Hall of Famer offers a contrasting opinion. He argues that Norman Jr. possesses a sufficient skill set to overcome Haney and even suggests the possibility of a knockout victory if Norman Jr. effectively utilizes his diverse range of powerful punches.
“My pick remains Norman Jr. I believe he naturally fits the underdog role. Regardless of the betting odds, I see him as an overachiever who will rise to the occasion,” Tim Bradley stated to Fighthype, reaffirming his prediction of Brian Norman Jr. defeating Devin Haney on Saturday night.
During Norman Jr.’s most recent match against Jin Sasaki on June 19, 2025, he consistently landed impactful right hands early in the bout. This became his primary offensive weapon until he connected with a decisive left hook in the fifth round, resulting in Sasaki being knocked unconscious.
The right-hand punches that Norman Jr. delivered to Sasaki in the initial four rounds would likely pose a significant challenge for Haney to absorb. Their force appeared comparable to the left hooks that Ryan Garcia repeatedly used to trouble Haney during their encounter last year on April 20, 2024. Norman Jr. has evidently enhanced the power of his right hand since facing Sasaki.
The Underrated Right Hand
“He’s coming prepared. Norman needs to avoid getting carried away with his power. Everyone is concentrating on Norman Jr.’s left hook, but there’s more to consider. He has an uppercut and a powerful right hand. Norman is now executing a straighter right hand than ever before.
“Sometimes he loops it, but then he delivers it straight down the middle with maximum force. Norman has evolved significantly as a fighter; he’s not the same as he was years ago,” Bradley concluded.
