Garcia Rips Haney; Offers To Help Him Get Sponsorship
Ryan Garcia trolled Devin Haney, stating that he could help get him sponsorship following the latter’s lawsuit against him.
Haney filed a lawsuit against Garcia following his fight with him in April. Garcia sent Haney to the canvas three times on his way to a majority decision win. However, the result became a no-contest after Garcia failed an Ostarine test. Ryan was subsequently banned from boxing for a year, meaning he could not fight until April 2025. Haney’s career has since then been derailed somewhat. He vacated his WBC Junior Welterweight Title after only Top Rank made a purse bid for his mandatory against Sandor Martin.
Haney then took some time off. Questions remained over who he would face next. The Dream argued that his commercial brand had been damaged by the perception that he was not an elite fighter as his defensive flaws were exposed. It also created the perception that Haney was dwelling on the loss for too long rather than moving on with his career. Haney has also named Golden Boy Promotions in the lawsuit, with reports that he wants an audit to confirm whether he had received 47% of the profits from the show he allegedly was entitled to.
Garcia Reacts
Reports indicate that Haney is looking to secure somewhere around $50 to $100 million from the lawsuit. However, the lawsuit has divided the boxing fanbase, with some suggesting that Haney’s image is being damaged by not moving on. And now Garcia has had a laugh at the boxer’s expense, stating that he can help him raise sponsorship.
Haney’s next move must be carefully considered. He has options at 140 pounds against Liam Paro and Teofimo Lopez Jr. Paro is the IBF Junior Welterweight Champion, who is represented by Matchroom Boxing. Haney works closely with Matchroom, although he has not officially signed up. There is enough of a narrative to make that fight, as Haney would likely have to travel to Australia. He previously travelled to Australia twice when he boxed George Kambosos Jr. He beat the Australian to become the Undisputed Lightweight Champion. Then he defended the belts in his backyard.
The other option is to face Teofimo Lopez Jr., who is coming off a win against Steve Claggett. They were linked with a fight at 135 pounds before Lopez moved up to 140 following his loss against Kambosos. There is enough demand to see that fight in a mega unification. Alternatively, Haney could move up to 147 pounds to try to take on Mario Barrios, the WBC Welterweight Champion. Barrios is seen as the weakest of champions in the weight class. A win would make Haney a three-weight world champion.
What’s Next?
While Haney has expressed his desire to rematch, Garcia has ruled that out. Ryan is targeting the biggest fights on his return. He recently confirmed that he would like a tune-up before seeking the bigger fights. He has called out names such as Errol Spence Jr., Sebastian Fundora and Terence Crawford. Those are all legacy-defining fights.
Bouts with Fundora and Crawford offer him a chance to win a title. Although Spence does not hold a belt, he is still considered one of the biggest names in the sport. His only defeat came against Crawford. Spence is a former Unified Welterweight Champion; Haney and Garcia must get their next moves spot on as they enter into their prime.
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