On Saturday, November 22nd, the boxing world is getting treated to a great boxing card that includes David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde, Abdullah Mason vs Sam Noakes, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs Fernando Martinez, and Devin Haney vs Brian Norman Jr, all great match-ups.

The fight that may have the most on the line for each boxer is Haney vs Norman Jr. This bout is for Norman’s WBO welterweight crown. Brian Norman Jr comes into this fight with a record of 28-0 with 22 wins by knockout. Devin Haney is also officially undefeated with a record of 32-0 with 15 wins by way of knockout.

Norman is coming off of the possible knockout of the year in his last bout. He exploded with a left hook that knocked Jin Sasaki out cold.

Haney’s road to this moment hasn’t been as smooth. He suffered a devastating loss to Ryan Garcia where he was knocked down in multiple rounds but the decision was changed to a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for a performance enhancing drug.

The former undisputed lightweight champion followed up that performance with an unanimous decision win over Jose Carlos Ramirez. Haney won the fight easily but seemed to be gun shy after his experience against Garcia.

What are the keys to victory for each fighter?

Keys to Victory for Brian Norman Jr

Don’t chase the knockout

Brian Norman Jr. comes into this bout with the perceived power advantage and may want to display that power on the biggest platform of his career for the world to see. He can’t be thirsty for the big shots. If he leaps and lunges into his punches, he will be wide open for counter shots from Haney. Haney will pick apart an overeager Norman.

Lead Don’t Follow

Devin Haney is going to use his footwork to move around the ring. Norman has to cut off the ring and force Haney into more a brawl. If Haney is able to make Norman follow him around, it will lead to Haney dictating the pace and winning the fight.

Body Work

Haney is going to move around the ring, one way to slow him down is to cut off the ring, the other way to slow him down is to hit him with body shots over and over and over again (Marshawn Lynch voice). Going to the body will also open up head shots for Norman. This could lead to Haney not being ready for one of those big left hooks from Norman.

Keys to Victory for Devin Haney

J.A.B. Jab, Jab, Jab

When Devin Haney is at his best, its been behind a good jab. He dominated George Kambosos Jr, Regis Prograis, and Jorge Linares in big part due to his jab. The jab will be important against Norman because it will stop Norman from throwing combinations. One of Norman’s strengths is throwing punches in bunches. The jab puts a stop to that.

Killing Him with Lateral Movement

Basketball hall of famer, Kevin Garnett, tells this hilarious story about guarding all-time great Hakeem Olajuwon. In the story, Olajuwon is getting the better of Garnett and yells, “I’m killing him with lateral movement!” Haney can do the same against Norman. Norman likes to come forward and lateral movement from Haney can set up traps where Norman is there to put hit with punches.

Read Between The Lines

There are times when you are reading and the real message isn’t apparent in the words but its in the spaces and pauses between the words. This is where Haney has to send a message to Norman. Norman is very good at throwing combinations which can make it hard to throw punches back at him. Haney can score with some big time counter shots if he is willing to exchange with Norman from time to time. The former 140-pound champion can’t be reckless but he has to take some risk to win this fight.

Prediction

This will be a tactical affair with moments of great action. Haney will be able to control the action with his jab and movement but Norman will find success when he is able to get Haney against the ropes. Haney wins a close unanimous decision.