De La Hoya: Teofimo, Not Haney, Targeted For Garcia’s Return
Oscar De La Hoya has no plans for Ryan Garcia to rematch Devin Haney upon his return in April 2025.
Garcia and Haney played out a thrilling fight in April where Ryan came out with a majority decision win. He sent Haney to the canvas three times to cause one of the biggest upsets in recent memory. But the result was unfortunately turned into a no contest after Ryan failed VADA tests for Ostarine. Garcia then received a year ban, while Haney’s undefeated record was reinstated. The duo have spoken about wanting to have a rematch. However, there are several factors that need addressing.
Haney Vs. Garcia
One would be the weight class since Ryan can no longer make 140 pounds. Devin’s father, Bill Haney, also wanted Ryan to enroll in VADA testing immediately upon his request. He gave Ryan 48 hours to do so. Garcia reacted by stating that he was not obliged to do anything that Haney said, given that he was unhappy with the actual VADA findings in the first place. Since then, De La Hoya has talked about a possible Garcia fight with Teofimo Lopez. Lopez is the WBO Junior Welterweight Champion. The Takeover is a two-weight world champion and two-weight lineal champion, making him one of the best fighters in the sport.
Lopez’s only defeat was against George Kambosos Jr. when he lost his unified lightweight titles. Teofimo has been targeting a fight with Terence Crawford, who currently boxes at 154 pounds. That indicates Lopez’s desire to move up. That fight is unlikely to happen, but a Garcia fight could be a nice compromise. The fight could ideally be made a catchweight.
De La Hoya Reacts
It also gives Teofimo the chance to earn his highest career payday, which he has been very vocal about. Lopez often argues that his commercial value is not reflective of the amount he has achieved in this sport. While a Haney fight could happen later down the line, it is not the immediate focus once Ryan makes his return. De La Hoya vowed to make Garcia’s return a big talking point. But to get the Lopez fight, it will have to be a high offer to convince him.
“We haven’t talked about anybody. Zero, whatsoever. Look, Ryan right now is amazing. He’s in the gym. He’s looking good. He can’t wait for his return in April. April will be here right around the corner. I have huge plans for Ryan that nobody can even think of. The build-up back to his comeback. We’re talking months back about his lead-up to his fight because everybody wants to see his fight.
He’s going to be bigger than ever when he comes back. So, I have to be prepared, and I have to do it huge. No, it’s not. Zero, whatsoever. Yeah, absolutely. Ryan wants Teo. He wants to fight the very best and challenge himself. We can’t wait. Ryan Garcia is back in April. I can’t wait. Oh my gosh, it’s going to be good,” De La Hoya said
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