Devin Haney Sues Ryan Garcia

Devin Haney is suing Ryan Garcia for battery, fraud and unjust enrichment following the latter’s failed test for Ostarine.

Garcia defeated Haney by a majority decision, dropping him three times to cause one of the biggest upsets in boxing. However, the result became a no-contest after Garcia failed VADA tests for Ostarine. Garcia received a one-year ban as Haney’s commercial value dropped. Haney failed to defend his WBC Junior Welterweight title against Sandor Martin after Top Tank was the only organization with a purse bid. He would then vacate his belt as question marks remain over who he would face next. 

Haney Vs. Garcia

There are questions about whether Garcia had knowingly taken performance-enhancing drugs. There are also question marks over whether Garcia missed the weight intentionally. He came in over three pounds heavier than the 140-pound limit. That played a difference in the fight as Garcia’s power shots repeatedly hit Haney, who had no answer to what was coming his way.

Haney believes that Garcia’s conduct has resulted in a future loss of earnings, given that he may not get the biggest fights. The lawsuit also names Golden Boy Promotions. Haney wants a full audit of the event,  as he was entitled to 47% of the profits from the event. Eddie Hearn has also had his say on the matter. The Matchroom Boxing promoter has stated that Haney’s lawsuit could deter future fighters from taking performance-enhancing drugs.

There is an argument that not enough is being done to punish fighters who take PEDs. While Garcia has received a one-year suspension, a lot of fighters are only active once a year. Therefore, Garcia simply staying out for that long may not be enough to deter other fighters from doing the same. However, things such as a lifetime ban, the withholding of purses or lawsuits could prevent boxes from taking that risk.

Hearn Reacts

“Sometimes, when someone tests positive after the fight, it’s quite different than testing before and not making it to the fight. But when you’re in the fight, and you’ve cheated, and you’ve had performance-enhancing drugs in your system, and it’s made you physically win the fight. It’s going to be good to deter people from taking drugs because at the moment for taking PEDs is Ryan Garcia got a year. Now, if Ryan Garcia gets sued for fifty or a hundred million dollars, that’ll definitely make people think,” Hearn said 

Nevertheless, the lawsuit could also backfire on Haney. The boxer risks dwelling on this case for too long, which may hinder his progress. The Dream has already suffered backlash from a lot of boxing fans for how he has handled this. This is even though Garcia failed VADA tests. There was a perception that Haney failed to accept things and move on graciously.

While there are suggestions that there could be a rematch, Garcia has ruled that out, meaning that Haney may never get his chance to get his revenge. But if he can clear the situation up in the courtroom and earn some financial compensation from it, it may draw an end to that matter. However, the most important thing is that Haney returns to winning ways, which was why he was considered one of the best fighters in the world.

Reaction

“While Devin Haney agreed to participate in a prize fight against Garcia, at no time did he agree to engage in a bout against an individual who had taken a performance-enhancing drug. Haney would have never fought against a boxer who was positive for a PED,” lawsuit

“I’m being sued for doing my job. This fight has been a Netflix documentary but this right here is the finale. Your honor he simply struggles with left hook syndrome,” Garcia

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