Ryan Garcia‘s fight with Devin Haney was one of the most controversial bouts of 2024.
The early part of the year was dominated by building up to the fight between the super-lightweight champion Haney and fellow American Garcia.
‘King Ryan’ acted erratically throughout, making all sorts of wild claims, smoking and drinking during camp, and then ultimately missing weight which meant he was ineligible to claim the world title.
He went on to win the fight after knocking Haney down multiple times, but then it was revealed he twice tested positive for a banned substance which meant he was given a one-year ban, despite protesting his innocence. The fight was ruled a no contest.
Speaking to FightHub TV, Garcia’s promoter Oscar De La Hoya was asked if he planned on making a rematch between the two and didn’t seem keen.
“The way Ryan Garcia handled Devin Haney to me personally doesn’t call for a rematch.”
He then outlined the bold plans for ‘King Ry’.
“Once Ryan gets back in action and gets back in rhythm and has a tune-up fight possibly in late April or early May, then I want to throw him right in there with the very best – Teo Lopez or ‘Boots’ Ennis or whoever the very best is.”
He did however hint that a rematch with Haney will always be a big draw.
“We still have Devin Haney who is wanting that rematch against Ryan Garcia.”
IBF champion Jaron Ennis is undefeated in 33 with 29 KO wins so would be a stiff challenge for Garcia, while another option is a rematch with current belt holder Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis who beat Garcia by KO in April 2023 to defend his world title.
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