Haney Warned Against Immediate Garcia Rematch – ‘The Dumbest Thing’

David Haney has been warned not to rematch Ryan Garcia in his next fight. 

That is according to Tim Bradley. Haney boxed Garcia in April as he was dropped three times on his way to a majority decision loss. However, Garcia would fail VADA tests for Ostarine, meaning that Haney remained undefeated, and the result became a no contest. Garcia was given a year ban, as he can only box from April 2025 onwards. Haney had a lot to heal with, especially since his commercial brand had been damaged. He vacated his WBC Junior Welterweight Title after only Top Rank made one purse bid for his mandatory fight against Sandor Martin. 

Haney has also sued Garcia for fraud, battery, and unjust enrichment. Golden Boy Promotions is also included in the lawsuit. Haney is currently in training and is considering his next steps. Garcia and Haney have indicated their desire to have a rematch. Garcia has said he wants a tune-up before he has the biggest fights. That has now turned attention to Haney’s camp.

Haney Vs. Garcia Rematch

If he were to take the Garcia rematch immediately, it would allow him to set things right. It may be his best opportunity since Garcia would be coming from a long lay-off. Garcia will also face mass criticism over the failed Ostarine test. But there is also a danger that he has not fully recovered from that fight. Garcia will know that he can get to Haney, provided he walks him down and throws power shots. Bradley has advised Haney to have a tune-up before he considers facing Garcia.

“I don’t think Devin Haney should go right into a rematch. I think it’s the dumbest thing. He’s making another mistake if he jumps right in and don’t test himself in a new weight class at 147 or even try to make 140 again. I don’t know. I think he’s going to move up. He should get a fight in between before he even talks about a rematch with Ryan Garcia just to see where he is physically,” Bradley said

Who Wins?

Those comments are understandable, especially since there is no rush for that fight. The two boxes are in their prime. Haney knows that he must rectify the errors he made in the Garcia fight before he considers a rematch. His defense was exposed as his jab and footwork deserted him. Haney was repeatedly caught by the same left hook.

While he may argue that was due to the PEDs, Garcia’s camp have insisted that the level of Ostarine in his system was not enough to enhance performance. It also did nothing to detract from the fact that Haney’s camp failed to adjust during the fight. Haney will likely have more leverage in the rematch, so it is understandable if he wants that fight as soon as possible. But he must make the right move for his career if he wants the biggest fights. 

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