Fans Turn On Haney After Garcia’s Suspension – Here’s Why

Fans are turning on Devin Haney following his reaction to Ryan Garcia’s one-year suspension. 

The New York State Athletic Commission suspended Garcia after his failed VADA tests for Ostarine. The decision also meant Haney’s undefeated record was reinstated, as he is 31-0. Garcia must also pay $1.1 million from his purse to Golden Boy Promotions, as Haney may get a percentage. There is also a state fine of $10,000. Haney was clearly on the wrong end of this saga, as he faced a fighter who had PEDs in his system. And yet, the boxing fan base have largely been negative towards Haney. Here is why. 

Haney’s Response

Haney has stated that he will take further legal action against Garcia. He has claimed the incident impacted his future earnings, given that his brand had been damaged. Haney’s perception as a defensive genius was exposed, as he was dropped three times on his way to a majority decision loss. He failed to make any adjustments as Garcia’s left hook landed repeatedly. The WBC has ordered Haney to face his mandatory Sandor Martin. Eddie Hearn was not interested in making a purse bid, while Top Rank was the sole bidder, winning with a bid of $2.42 million. Haney claims that the poor figure is due to the Garcia loss. 

“My lawyers will do what they’ve gotta do to prove that in court against Ryan. We will take legal action because it has affected me. Not only financially, but mentally and everything,” Haney

“There is no damn way. No I’m being sued for hurting Devil Haney feelings. Softest man ever created this crazy don’t know bill Haney sperm was like this,” Garcia 

Bill Haney

Haney’s father, Bill Haney, has also not helped matters. Bill was vocal about wanting justice for his son, saying Devin would not enter negotiations until Garcia was given the appropriate punishment. And yet, when it came to Alycia Baumgardner, Bill had a different tune. 

Baumgardner had an ‘adverse’ finding for Mesterolone and Methenolone in relation to her win against Christina Linardatou. Once the news broke, Baumgardner said she was innocent. Baumgardner tested negative after the fight and another negative one before the bout. Bill is known for training Baumgardner as he defended her over the scandal. 

“If you didn’t do nothing, you a queen, you know what I’m saying,” Bill Haney 

Further Reaction

Haney’s peers have also commented on his response. Gervonta Davis has backed Garcia throughout the process, making it clear that Ryan had won. The findings showed that the amount in Garcia’s system was insufficient to enhance his performance, even if it should not have been there. Tank is one of the biggest stars in boxing. While he may have his motives for backing Garcia to set up a potential rematch, it further adds to Haney’s negative perception. 

Haney’s links with Victor Conte also do not help. Conte set up the SNAC programme, which Haney affiliates himself with. However, before forming that, Conte served time in jail for conspiracy to distribute steroids and money laundering. Reputations are hard to clean up, as Conte was heavily criticized on social media by fans who feel he should be in boxing. 

While Haney has negative publicity, if he can channel it like Floyd Mayweather when fans wanted to see him lose, he could garner more attention to his fights. But for now, Haney needs to improve his perception of the fanbase. 

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