Haney vs. Garcia Rematch – Why It’s Needed
Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia may need to run things back after their clash was declared a no-contest.
Garcia dropped Haney three times on his way to a majority decision win. However, Garcia failed two VADA tests for Ostarine, resulting in his win being overturned. Garcia was banned for a year, removing the biggest win of his career. There may now be a narrative to run things back.
Supporters of Garcia will argue that the amount of Ostarine in his system was not enough to enhance performance. Therefore, Haney’s lack of boxing skills was why he could not make any adjustments. Haney was hit with the same left hook on numerous occasions. Garcia was also out of shape and gassing out between rounds. And yet, Ostarine is known for increasing stamina.
Haney vs. Garcia
Haney also remained the WBC Junior Welterweight Champion. As Garcia failed to make the 140-pound limit, he was not eligible to fight for the belt. Haney remained the champion despite defeat, raising serious question marks over his claim to be a champion. There is an argument that Garcia had the lineal title since he had beaten the main man in the division to get the belt. In addition, when boxing is swarmed by numerous belts, their value decreases.
But if Garcia wants to establish his legacy, he must win a world title. The biggest belt he has won is the WBC Interim Title at 135 pounds. Had he stayed at 135, he could have secured title shots against the champions in the division. But by moving up, Garcia has entered a division that is full of talent. Teofimo Lopez and Isaac Cruz are just some of the names in that division. But by beating Haney in a rematch, Garcia can silence his critics and target further big fights.
Should It Happen?
Garcia’s reputation is also on the list. There will be an asterisk over the wins in his career, as there is no way of knowing Garcia was using PEDs long-term. In addition, if Garcia does not run things back on an even playing field, it will run into the narrative that he could not beat Haney. The anticipation for a rematch is also growing. Garcia will be out for a year, but he shows no signs of talking less on social media. That allows plenty of time to build up a rematch, which will be bigger. Haney has said he is willing to rematch Garcia on even terms.
Both fighters also suffered mass financial loss. Garcia has to pay Golden Boy Promotions $1.1 million from his purse and a $10,000 state fine. There is also the loss of earnings from not being able to fight. As for Haney, Top Rank was the only bidder for his Sandor Martin fight with a $2.42 million purse bid. Haney has argued that his brand has been damaged due to Garcia’s loss, as he seeks to sue him for loss of earnings. If both fighters are in need of money, then a rematch makes sense. Paulie Malignaggi expects a rematch to happen.
“People want to see this fight: Did [Garcia] really win? Did [the banned substance] really affect him? [Garcia fans] want to see him make this right,” Malignaggi said
But Chris Algieri begs to differ.
“There are enough pitfalls [to prevent it] It was a good fight. I’d like to see them weigh the same this time. But I’m telling you, we’re not going to see it,” Algieri stated
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