Brian Norman Jr. defended himself after Devin Haney’s security guard grabbed him by the shirt in a New York City altercation.
Norman and Haney met backstage at Friday’s ceremonial weigh-ins for Turki Alalshikh’s Ring III card at Louis Armstrong Stadium this Saturday night.
Alalshikh recently announced the pair would collide for Norman’s WBO welterweight title during Riyadh Season this November.
Chaos at Weigh-ins
The ‘Ring IV’ meeting is already causing a stir without the need for the near brawl that ensued when the two came face-to-face.
As the camera coincidentally recorded, Norman and Haney exchanged words before stepping toward each other. As Norman got a little too close to ‘The Dream’ for his security’s liking, Haney’s rangy bodyguard moved in to subdue the world champion.
Pulling Norman’s shirt over his head and ripping it in the process, the man, later revealed to be ‘Big Tank,’ looked to have gotten the better of the 24-year-old.
The Hip Toss Seen Around the World
However, Norman didn’t back off. The fighter, known for his sensational knockout of Jin Sasaki last month, grabbed Tank and hip-tossed him to the ground using only one arm.
The incident, caught on camera for all to see, became a sensation on social media.
Top Rank commentator Crystina Poncher said, “Damn, Devin’s security ripped Brian’s shirt.”
Tensions boil over after Haney-Norman Face Off @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/DS2efbDJvc
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) July 10, 2025
Boxing’s reaction
Oleksandr Usyk‘s manager then expressed his dismay that such meetings between younger fighters continue to end in disappointment.
“Damn, these people are turning this beautiful sport we had into a brutal mess,” said Klimas. “I think I’ve had enough.
“Relax, it’s sport, not a gang game between cartels, and by the way, you are not a gangster, chill down!”
Haney posted an image of Tank holding both Norman’s and his father’s shirts in either hand.
The multi-weight world ruler seemed happy with his security detail after both father and son left with half a shirt each.
Damn tank my security from Atlanta too.. pic.twitter.com/obBOfC1rP8
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) July 11, 2025
“Damn Tank my security from Atlanta too,” pointed out Haney.
However, Deontay Wilder’s ‘Bombzquad’ team member Tay Jones replied, “Tank got that ass hip tossed by a 147lb guy (Norman) too, don’t leave part out.”
After being told to relax, Jones added, “Relax? If you didn’t know, I spoke to Bill (Haney) frequently and met Devin in Saudi Arabia when he came to our locker room.
“I always supported him. He and his father know that! You’re right, it ain’t that serious, ain’t no ill will at all, it’s a fight with my lil’ bro, so you relax.”
Ring IV
With four months to go, everything is bubbling up nicely for November ahead of a massive ‘Ring IV‘ card topped by David Benavidez vs Anthony Yarde.
The event also features Abdullah Mason vs Sam Noakes for the vacant WBO lightweight title, which the WBO removed from Keyshawn Davis.
Rounding off the foursome is Jesse Rodriguez vs Fernando Martinez in a super flyweight unification.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.
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