Haney Vs. Garcia Rematch Unlikely; Ennis And Lopez More Likely

December 29, 2024

1 month

Haney Vs. Garcia Rematch Unlikely; Ennis And Lopez More Likely

Oscar De La Hoya does not see a rematch between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney.

The first fight created mass controversy. Garcia failed to make the 140-pound limit by coming in over three pounds. Ryan then beat Haney in a massive upset, dropping him three times on the way to a majority decision. But the result became a no-contest after Ryan failed VADA tests for Ostarine. Garcia was given a year ban, meaning he cannot box professionally until April 2025. The two fighters have previously said they are willing to run things back. But the wider fallout has made that much more difficult. Haney sued Garcia for fraud, breach of contract and unjust enrichment. Garcia has filed a countersuit since then, increasing the bad blood.

Oscar has now said the focus is on making a fight with Jaron Ennis and Teofimo Lopez. Those two fights are arguably just as big and offer Ryan a world title shot. Ennis is the IBF Welterweight Champion, who is coming off a successful defense after beating Karen Chukhadzhian. His performance was criticized, as was Ennis’ failure to unify at 147. Boots also saw talks break down for a 154-pound fight against Vergil Ortiz Jr. Ryan will fancy his chances of winning if he can land his offensive.

De La Hoya Reacts

A fight against Teofimo gives Garcia a chance to compete for the WBO Junior Welterweight Championship. It is also intriguing as Lopez has added Garcia’s former trainer, Eddy Reynoso, to his camp. Lopez struggles to fight backwards, something which Reynoso can help with. He has enabled Canelo Alvarez to become a master at that. Those skills would be key in a Garcia fight, who likes to fight on the front foot.

“Right now, in his division, whether it’s 147 lbs or in between 140 and 147, there are a lot of great names out there for him. Once Ryan gets back in action, once Ryan gets back in rhythm and has a tune-up fight, possibly in late April or maybe early May, then I want to throw him in with the very best.

“That’s what Ryan wants to do, challenge himself and fight the best, whether it’s Teofimo Lopez or Boots Ennis or whoever the best is. We still have Devin Haney, who wants that rematch against Ryan Garcia. Who knows? Maybe that will happen again, but again, I’ll sit down with Ryan, and we’ll carve out a plan,” De La Hoya said

Devin’s brand has also suffered significantly, making a rematch less likely. Haney has not boxed since then. Meanwhile, there are doubts over which weight class he will compete in. He has been linked with a move up to 147 pounds. But that is a division full of big hitters. Haney does not have a lot of power, something which he found out against Garcia as the latter continued to walk him down. Haney may need to secure some wins and reestablish himself before a Garcia rematch becomes viable.