It’s been a rocky road, to say the least, for Ryan Garcia since the start of 2024. Leading up to a mega-fight against Devin Haney, Garcia’s antics were a legitimate cause for mental health concern. Then fight night came and that was all forgotten, as he dominated Haney in the ring.
Not long after, Garcia’s world was turned upside down. A failed drug test saw him forced to serve a one-year suspension, in the midst of personal struggles. When he returned from his suspension, he lost handily to Rolly Romero. His career was on a downwards trajectory, but he had one more chance to turn it around.
Last month, Garcia put his name back on the map with a thoroughly convincing victory over Mario Barrios. With the win, Garcia became a world champion for the first time in his career. Now, he wants more, and that path may lead him right back to Haney. At least in the eyes of Garcia’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, it’s the fight to make.
Oscar De La Hoya and Ryan Garcia want the rematch, but does Devin Haney?
De La Hoya was asked what fights he’s looking at for Garcia to take on next. The boxer’s promoter wasted no breath mentioning Haney.
“I actually really like the rematch with Devin Haney. There’s a lot of talk, a lot of chatter right now. I think Devin Haney actually does deserve the rematch, just because he’s been talking a lot and his past performance was a really good performance. What Ryan did in his last fight with [Mario] Barrios. Obviously, a world champion. He’s back, better than ever, mentally, physically. I’d love to see that rematch.”
De La Hoya sent one final message to Haney, who’s rumored to potentially fight Rolly Romero in the near future: “Ryan Garcia-Devin Haney makes all the sense in the world. Do not take a tune-up, let’s make this fight happen.”
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