Boxing Showdown Preview and Forecast: Haney vs Garcia
Undefeated Devin Haney and rising star Ryan Garcia face off in a highly anticipated WBC super lightweight title clash at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday night (Sunday morning SA time). The two combatants, who have engaged in a contentious rivalry since their amateur days, will look to settle their dispute in the ring.
Both fighters boast impressive professional records. Haney, the 25-year-old incumbent, sports a perfect 31-0 record, with 15 knockouts and two divisional world titles under his belt. He recently ascended to the super lightweight division, with a dominant decision victory over Regis Prograis last year.
Garcia, a 24-year-old sensation with a massive social media following, holds the WBC interim lightweight belt and has been chasing his first official world title since 2021. Despite his success, he suffered his first professional loss last April against Gervonta Davis, which strained his already tumultuous relationship with promoter Oscar de la Hoya.
Garcia has since rebounded with a knockout win over Oscar Duarte in December, but concerns persist regarding his erratic behavior and alarming comments on social media. Haney, on the other hand, remains composed and focused, giving him a psychological edge heading into the bout.
Inside the ring, Haney is known for his tactical prowess and all-around skills, while Garcia's high-octane style features blistering speed and a devastating left hook. The undefeated champion is expected to come out guns blazing to test Garcia's resolve early, whereas the challenger will need to display discipline and patience to pull off the upset.
Experts predict a decision victory for Haney, though a knockout isn't entirely out of the question.
In the end, the highly anticipated showdown between Haney and Garcia promises to be an exhilarating affair, marking the climax of a dramatic rivalry that started in their amateur days.
Bet Now: Boxing### Devin Haney (1.11) v Ryan Garcia (6.25) (WBC Super Lightweight Championship)
4 AM Sunday SA time
The two boxers have faced off six times in the amateurs, with Haney emerging victorious in three bouts and Garcia winning three as well. However, their actions outside of the ring have been far more notable, culminating in a controversial no-contest decision in their first professional encounter.
Since then, Haney has continued to build his legacy, securing world titles across two weight classes and retaining his WBC super lightweight title with a masterful performance against Regis Prograis. Garcia, meanwhile, is working to regain his standing in the sport, having suffered a high-profile loss to Gervonta Davis and questionable behavior off the canvas.
How each fighter navigates the challenging lead-up to this pivotal fight will be crucial, as focus and discipline could make the difference between victory and defeat.
*Prediction:* Haney by decision.
*Best Bet:* Haney by decision at 1.62.
Quintin van Jaarsveld, a former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year and Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year, covers the fight preparations extensively in his work for various sports publications.
Sports fans eagerly anticipate the WBC super lightweight title clash between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia, happening at 4 AM on Sunday SA time. Both boxers, who have a history dating back to their amateur days, have unique strengths that could sway their outcome.
In this bout, Devin Haney (1.11), known for his tactical prowess and all-around skills, faces Ryan Garcia (6.25), renowned for his high-octane style and lethal left hook. Considering their previous encounters in the amateurs and the drama that followed, the highly publicized boxing match is expected to be an electrifying event. Many experts predict a decision victory for Haney (1.62).
