Boxers Ryan Garcia and Devin Heaney engaged in a physical altercation during a press conference preceding their joint tournament.
Garcia and Haney's Prolonged Boxing Feud Heads to New York
Ever since their amateur days, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney have had a long-standing beef. These two rivals split six fights back then, with each claiming three victories[1]. Now, they're squaring off in the professional ring, and their animosity has spilled over in spectacular fashion.
Their recent encounter, back in 2024, was a nail-biter. Haney, the unbeaten WBC junior welterweight champ, was up against Garcia, who aimed to snatch the title. Despite forfeiting $600,000 due to missing weight, Garcia dominated the fight, knocking Haney down three times before winning by majority decision[1][2]. But glory was brief, as Garcia tested positive for the Performance Enhancing Drug (PED) ostarine, which led to the fight's outcome being overturned to a no-contest[2].
The sports world held its breath while Garcia faced a one-year suspension, a fine of $1.2 million, and a lawsuit from Haney for battery, fraud, and breach of contract[2][5]. However, the lawsuit was dropped after an agreement was reached for a potential rematch – on one condition; Garcia must first pass rigorous drug testing through VADA[1].
Fast forward to 2025, and the long-awaited rematch is finally happening in New York. On May 3rd, the historic boxing event dubbed "Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves" will take place on Times Square, where Garcia will face off against Rolando Romero for the WBA junior welterweight title[2]. At the same event, Haney will take on Jose Ramirez in the co-main event[2].
The animosity between Garcia and Haney is at an all-time high, as evident during the recent press conference where they exchanged heated words[2]. When reminded of his past disagreements with Haney's father, Garcia responded: "They said the same thing last time, and last time they got put in their place! And this time, they'll get put in their place again!" Haney retorted: "He's off the ostarine, he doesn't even sound the same! His voice has changed! His shape is gone! He's got a man-boob now! Muscles are gone, voice is gone."
The two were shouting at each other, but things got heated fast when Haney's father and Oscar De La Hoya nearly came to blows after trading verbal jabs at Golden Boy Promotions[2]. Excitement is high for the upcoming event, with speculation brewing about a rematch between Garcia and Haney if both emerge victorious on May 3rd[2].
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[1] Sports Illustrated: "Garcia vs. Haney: A Look Back at Their Amateur Rivalry"[2] Boxing Scene: "The Rekindling Rivalry of Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney"[3] ESPN: "Garcia Dominates Haney in Controversial Fight"[4] Forbes: "Haney Suing Garcia: The Unraveling of Their Boxing Feud"[5] Reuters: "Ryan Garcia's Legal Troubles Continue Despite Court Stopping Haney Lawsuit"
Bookmakers have various odds for the upcoming Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney rematch. Despite Ryan's skeptical past with ostarine, many still believe he will regain his welterweight title. Ryan, in response to questions about his disagreements with Haney's father, asserts that he will once again settle their feud in the sports arena. Ryan's fitness and voice changes, however, are subjects of conversation among bookmakers and sports enthusiasts.
