It’s been a year since Ryan Garcia stunned the boxing world by toppling the then-undefeated Devin Haney. That bout, meant to catapult Garcia into superstardom, instead descended into controversy when he failed to make weight and later tested positive for Ostarine-a banned substance.
The result was overturned to a No-Contest, and Garcia received a one-year suspension along with a significant fine from the New York State Athletic Commission.
Now, the anticipation is mounting once again. On Friday, both Garcia and Haney are set to return to the spotlight in the highly hyped Fatal Fury: City of Wolves event in Times Square.
Though they won’t be facing each other-at least not yet-their upcoming bouts feel like preludes to a potential blockbuster rematch. Garcia headlines against Rolly Romero for the WBA Welterweight title, while Haney co-headlines opposite Jose Ramirez.
The Heat Returns: Press Conference Chaos and Tyson’s Take
In classic boxing fashion, the presser for City of Wolves was explosive. Garcia and Haney wasted no time reigniting their feud, trading barbs that electrified the crowd.
“They were talking about my physique before. Same stuff. Still got their a-es whooped,” Garcia said defiantly.
Haney responded with venom, mocking Garcia’s appearance since his return from suspension.
“You got off that Ostarine, and now you don’t even sound the same. Your muscles are gone, your voice is gone-you’ve got titties now!”
The verbal shots weren’t just for show-Haney’s disdain seems deeply personal. For him, Garcia’s missed weight and positive test tainted what should have been a level playing field.
Adding gravity to the moment, boxing legend Mike Tyson was asked to weigh in on the growing feud during an interview with The Ring.
Tyson acknowledged Haney’s anger, saying it was justified.
“He has every right to be upset,” Tyson declared.
However, Tyson made it clear that in his view the drugs add nothing to the technical ability of a fighter.
“Steroids don’t make you a better fighter-they just make you stronger.”
Adding to the spectacle, tensions boiled over when Haney’s father and trainer, Bill Haney, got into a heated exchange with Garcia’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya. The argument nearly turned physical after Bill made pointed remarks about Golden Boy Promotions, forcing event security to intervene.
For Garcia, the return to New York is a poetic one. While he initially questioned why the original bout wasn’t held on the West Coast-where both fighters are from-he now embraces New York’s energy.
“It felt sweet last time. We’ve got to do it again,” Garcia said, hinting heavily at a rematch.
As Friday looms, one thing is clear: if both fighters win their respective matchups, the path to a long-awaited rematch is wide open. And with their rivalry more personal than ever, the next chapter could be even more explosive than the last.
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