Lance Pugmire reports that WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr has “verbally agreed” to face Devin Haney “later this year,” potentially this coming November.

Norman (28-0, 22 KO) has emerged as Jaron Ennis’ heir apparent for the division, announcing his arrival with a dramatic beatdown of the red-hot Giovani Santillan before following up with maulings of Derrieck Cuevas and Jin Sasaki, the latter of which remains the frontrunner for Knockout of the Year. He appears to be coming into his own at the age of 24 and has consistently proven himself must-watch TV.

Haney (32-0, 15 KO), his most decorated opponent to date, will enter the ring in very different circumstances. Ryan Garcia’s failed drug test wasn’t nearly enough to restore the luster Haney lost in their fight and his ring return, a grievously boring decision over the faded Jose Ramirez, failed to cover the difference.

This is do-or-die for Haney and a chance for Norman to introduce himself to the general boxing public. With Mario Barrios occupied and the WBA and IBF belts in need of new owners, I like the matchmaking here.