Regis Prograis conveys his impression that Devin Haney might be experiencing psychological trauma and suggests he will make his title challenge against WBO welterweight titleholder Brian Norman Jr., scheduled for November 22nd, unexciting by maintaining constant mobility.
Prograis anticipates that Haney (32-0, 15 KOs) will exhibit extensive movement within the ring, prioritizing the execution of rapid combinations against Norman Jr. (28-0, 22 KOs).
The Expectation of Haney’s Constant Movement
“Devin is unconcerned about the fight’s entertainment value. His strategy will involve striking, moving, utilizing jabs, and possibly employing quick combinations,” Regis Prograis stated to Fight Hub TV, expressing his prediction of a victory for Devin Haney over Brian Norman Jr. in a lackluster contest on November 22nd. “He doesn’t need to prioritize excitement at all. My inclination is towards Devin.”
Haney ideally should prioritize fan engagement after the feedback from his previous showing; however, he cannot take any risks against Norman Jr. His punching is too powerful, and if Haney took a risk, Norman Jr. would quickly finish him. Norman Jr’s power could destroy Haney in a round or two. If Ryan Garcia had Haney unsteady in the opening round, imagine the damage Norman Jr. could inflict if he connects early.
“You observed his most recent bout. He will attempt to strike and move continuously for the entire 12 rounds. Devin’s intention is not to secure a knockout,” Regis noted.
It seems improbable that Haney would alter his approach, especially when facing a fighter considered among the most formidable punchers in the 147-lb division, Norman Jr. This scenario may result in a dull experience for the audience on November 22nd. Fortunately, David Benavidez and Artur Beterbiev are scheduled to participate in separate matches on the same event. Following Haney’s previous performance against Jose Ramirez, it would have been reasonable for Turki Alalshikh to request a reduced fee for Haney’s participation in this event.
“I don’t believe he should adopt that strategy. One should adhere to their own fighting style,” Regis commented when asked whether Norman Jr. should attempt to box Haney instead of engaging in a slugfest.
It would be imprudent for Norman Jr. to attempt outboxing Haney, choosing instead to utilize his superior punching power to dominate him. Most likely, he would fail in this endeavor and ultimately lose a lopsided 12-round unanimous decision to Devin.
Why would Norman Jr. abandon the approach that has contributed to his success up to this point simply because he is facing a pure boxer who lacks significant power? If anything, Norman Jr. should adopt an even more aggressive approach than typical and focus his training on effectively cutting off the ring against a mobile opponent.
Prograis’s Suspicion of PTSD in Haney
“Yes, I do share that perspective,” Prograis stated in response to the question of whether Devin might be suffering from PTSD as a result of his fight with Ryan Garcia in 2024.
Haney’s fighting style resembled that of a boxer with significant psychological trauma, given the way he circled the ring against Jose Ramirez, the faded former WBC and WBO light welterweight champion, during their May 2nd event in Times Square, New York City.
“His approach was evident against [Jose] Ramirez. I hesitate to label Ramirez as aged or past his prime, but Ramirez is older, and Haney simply evaded him. There were moments during the fight when a full minute passed without any punches being thrown. It was solely focused on footwork,” Prograis explained.
The extent of movement against Ramirez clearly indicated that Devin lacks confidence in his ability to absorb punches. It was difficult for spectators to watch Haney circle the ring for 12 rounds in a fight that was broadcast on DAZN PPV. Subsequent to that event, Turki Alalshikh announced his “no Tom and Jerry fights” directive for his events. Since then, no fighter has dared to adopt that fighting style on any of Turki’s shows.
“It’s possible he is experiencing PTSD, and now he is facing a significant puncher. Consider that if he acted that way against Ramirez, what do you expect him to do against Brian Norman?” Prograis questioned about Haney.
It appears apparent that Haney will maintain constant movement against Norman Jr., as he did against Jose Ramirez, but likely to a greater extent. Devin has increasingly employed movement and clinching in his fights ever since he was hurt against Jorge Linares.
He maintained that style in his fights against George Kambosos Jr., Vasily Lomachenko, and Prograis. Haney deviated from that style against Ryan Garcia and was hurt again. In his fight against Jose Ramirez, Haney resumed his safety-first defensive approach.
