Devin Haney and Brian Norman Jr's fathers nearly turned a press conference into a physical altercation, raising tensions before Saturday's much-anticipated Ring IV event in Saudi Arabia.
Things started to heat up as Bill Haney, Devin Haney's father, launched verbal attacks on Brian Norman Sr. Security kept an eye on the situation all week as both camps exchanged heated words. The atmosphere boiled over when Bill Haney challenged Norman Sr. to "put the money down" for a personal clash of their own. However, security quickly intervened when an attempt at physical confrontation seemed imminent.
Norman Sr. dismissed Haney's challenge but couldn't stop his son from getting involved in the exchange of words. Devin Haney showed his calmness as he shrugged off the drama, stating he'll bring back the WBO title to his family and team. Brian Norman Jr., confident and unfazed by the tension, boldly predicted that he would put Devin "to sleep," leaving both fighters undeterred by their fathers' theatrics.
Turki Alalshikh, a Saudi advisor, also heard Bill Haney’s call to action but took no further steps beyond reiterating the statement in conversation with attendees. Despite moments of escalation, the focus returned to the two main fighters once microphones were handed over to them.
Throughout it all, with members of Devin's team adding fuel by taunting that Normans would return "back to the dumpster truck" after their fight, both fighters stood composed. They provided a stark contrast to their parents’ antics yet remained focused on the bout ahead.
