Inside Devin Haney’s remarkable body transformation as American packs on muscle after gruelling weight cuts

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Devin Haney insists the best is yet to come after completing an impressive body transformation ahead of his welterweight debut.‘The Dream’ challenges Brian Norman Jr (28-0) for the WBO’s version of the 147lbs world title on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after previously boiling himself down to lightweight and super lightweight. Haney (32-0) underwent drastic measures to keep the pounds off, and admits that the gruelling weight cuts took a serious toll on his body.Despite this, the California technician was able to unify all four major sanctioning body belts at 135lbs and scoop the WBC 140lbs strap.Looking back, Haney isn’t sure how he made the weight for so long, especially now that he is fully replenished. “I’m a much bigger guy for those weights,” Haney told talkSPORT.com.“I was shrinking myself down to 135lbs and 140lbs because there was so much at stake. It was tough.“But I’m more of my natural self [at welterweight], I’m not focusing on weight.“I’m focusing on skill and perfecting myself. I feel a lot stronger, I feel faster, I feel better in every way.“So I think it will show on November 22 how good Devin Haney really is with the type of performance I put on.”Haney’s body has changed dramatically during his move up through the divisions.Gone are the days of the American looking gaunt on the scales.Instagram - Devin Haney/ Fight Hub TVHaney looks much healthier at welterweight (left) than he did at lightweight (right)[/caption]While he maintains the same shredded tone, Haney has filled out significantly now that his body isn’t being starved of calories.How has Devin Haney’s diet changed?“Eating a lot more is good for the mind and the body,” he continued.“I had to be a lot more strict with what I ate before.“My nutritionist makes me what I want in moderation.“Steaks, burgers, banana pudding. I can eat my favourite foods. That wasn’t possible before.”Haney could have picked much easier opponents for his maiden bout at 147lbs.Norman Jr defends his WBO welterweight title against Haney on Saturday nightGettyNorman Jr is widely considered to be the best champion at the weight and is coming fresh off a Knockout of the Year contender against Jin Sasaki in June. This will only spur on Haney, who has never shied away from a challenge.At 135lbs, he defeated Vasyl Lomachenko, Jorge Linares, Joseph Diaz and George Kambosos Jr (twice).And ahead of this weekend, he is relishing the opportunity to jump back in at the deep end.Running towards adversity“It has always been the plan in any division I am in to pick the best guy and take over the weight class,” Haney added.“This fight is no different. It has always been a dream of mine to be a welterweight champion, and I get a chance to become a welterweight champion and the man of the division all in one fight. I’m excited for that…“Brian Norman is a good fighter. I cannot take anything away from him, but I’m on another level, and it will show.“I’m going to go in there and have fun and win with a dominant victory.“And once I’ve done that, I’m coming for all those belts.”