According to coach Brian Norman Sr., he considers it “inconsiderate” that Turki Alalshikh has already made public that Devin Haney and David Benavidez are slated to appear on the same fight card in February 2026.
Turki’s Plans For February Are Premature
Turki is not even waiting to observe the results of Haney’s title defense against WBO welterweight titleholder Brian Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs) on November 22, 2025, at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Brian Sr. is skeptical that Haney (32-0, 16 KOs) will be prepared to step back into the ring that soon to compete in February 2026, because he is predicting that Norman Jr. will give him a “serious beating.” He anticipates that Haney will need a “substantial recuperation period.”
Devin was absent from competition for more than a year following his demanding match against Ryan Garcia on April 20, 2024. Upon his return, Haney appeared uneasy and hesitant during his confrontation with Jose Ramirez on May 2, 2025, in Times Square, New York.
Devin spent nearly the entire 12-round bout maneuvering around the perimeter of the ring, avoiding being struck by Ramirez. Despite securing victory via a 12-round unanimous decision, his belief in his resilience to absorb punishment was noticeably diminished. The physical toll inflicted by Ryan had seemingly affected him.
If Haney endures a comparable battering from Norman Jr., it will pose a significant challenge for him to return to action three months later to fight in February 2026.
Difficult Rebound Ahead for Devin Haney
“This upcoming fight in November was originally intended to be between Devin and Ryan,” Brian Norman Sr. mentioned to MillCity Boxing, regarding Brian Norman Jr. being offered the fight with Devin Haney on November 22nd only due to Ryan Garcia’s defeat to Rolly Romero earlier this year on May 2nd in Times Square, New York.
Should Turki present Haney with an exceptionally lucrative purse for the rematch with Kingry in February, he might opt to proceed with the fight even if he is suffering from the consequences of the Norman Jr. battle. He could be an easy target if he’s grappling with the aftereffects of a severe knockout.
Ryan’s left hook is already a dangerous weapon, but against a semi-concussed Haney, it could be overwhelming. Hopefully, Haney will not require stretcher assistance and removal from the ring by medical staff.
“It’s quite inconsiderate,” Norman Sr. stated, responding to Turki Alalshikh’s premature announcement of his plans for Haney and David Benavidez to share a fight card in February 2026, without awaiting the results of their respective November 22 fights.
Brian Jr. also notes that the anticipated rematch between Ryan and Haney has garnered so much attention and intrigue that it will not matter if he is entering the ring following a defeat to Norman Jr. on November 22. Spectators will remain eager to witness another Haney versus Garcia showdown.
“He Won’t Emerge Unscathed”
“I am confident of what will transpire. Devin Haney will not emerge from this match unscathed. Irrespective of the outcome, he will certainly sustain damage,” Brian Sr. remarked concerning the physical repercussions Haney will face in his contest against Brian Norman Jr. “Devin is in for a beating. It’s going to be a tough recovery.”
