Ward urges Haney to erase Garcia loss with welterweight rematch

Andre Ward believes Devin Haney should chase a rematch with Ryan Garcia to close the book on their April 2024 fight that ended in a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for Ostarine.

Ward, a former two-division champion, told The Ring before working the Tyson Fury-Arslanbek Makhmudov card on Saturday that the rematch represents Haney's best path to cementing his legacy. "I think that's the fight that he needs to take," Ward said, per The Ring. "You right that wrong, from a legacy standpoint, nobody can say anything. I think it's also going to make him a much better fighter, because he's able to deal with those personal demons."

Haney and Garcia now hold welterweight titles

The timing lines up after Haney captured the WBO welterweight belt with a unanimous decision over Brian Norman on November 22 and Garcia took the WBC strap from Mario Barrios by dominant decision on February 21. Both performances came on Ring-backed cards and set the stage for a welterweight unification with added needle from their first meeting, where Garcia dropped Haney three times before winning on two of three scorecards. That result was scrapped after Garcia failed multiple drug tests and missed weight by over three pounds.

Ward acknowledged the mental challenge Haney faces but framed it as a test elite fighters must pass. "It won't be easy, but it's more than possible," he said, according to The Ring. "That's what makes fighters so resilient, is that deep place that you can go to in your mind." Ward pointed to Haney's chin and refusal to quit in the first fight as proof the 33-0 junior welterweight can reverse the script.

Garcia, now ranked fourth at welterweight by The Ring, looked sharp dropping Barrios inside the opening minute. Ward praised his speed and power, calling the rematch a fight both men should pursue immediately. A date has not been announced for either fighter's next bout.

Source: ringmagazine.com