Saudi Tournament: Ennis vs. Teo, Haney vs. Garcia

The Saudis plan to create a mini-boxing tournament, with Jaron Ennis vs. Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia.
Reports indicate that the two fights could occur in a card in October. The winners of the respective fights would then face off against each other. There is a lot to play for. Ennis has been accused of failing to secure the big fights at 147 pounds. He faced his IBF mandatory Karen Chukhadzhian in his last fight, beating him to retain his IBF Welterweight Title. Meanwhile, Lopez defeated Steve Claggett to retain his WBO Junior Welterweight Title.
Lopez was keen on securing a fight with Terence Crawford. But the latter is reportedly set to face Canelo Alvarez in September, ruling that fight out. This fight could be seen as a compromise since Lopez is looking to secure the big fights. Meanwhile, it provides Ennis with an alternative if he cannot secure a unification at 147.
Garcia Reacts
The Haney and Garcia rematch has a lot of history. Ryan defeated Haney the first time around via a majority decision. He sent Haney to the canvas three times in one of boxing’s biggest upsets. But the result was turned into a no-contest after he failed VADA tests for Ostarine. Ryan subsequently received a year ban from boxing, meaning he cannot fight until April 2025. Reports indicate he will face Isaac Cruz in his next fight in May. Provided that he comes through that fight, he could face Haney in October.
“Yes, In May. We’re going to be fighting there. It’ll be good. Another big fight. I’m ready to do it. Pitbull is still a great fighter. He may have lost one time [correction: 3 times], but fans love him. He’s a big f****. There were so many people in London, and they were all meeting with Turki. It’s nuts. Times Square, yes. Me and Pitbull were going to fight in many occasions. It never went down. I feel this is a fight that fans wanted for a long time until he [Pitbull Cruz] lost [to Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela on August 3rd],” Garcia said
The Vision
Haney is also scheduled to fight on BLK Prime in April. Reports indicate that Adrien Broner is in line to take that fight. This move by the Saudis shows their continued ambition to put on the biggest fights. It has the potential to change the futures of Lopez and Ennis, particularly, who have yet to secure a breakout fight. That fight also offers them the opportunity to earn their career highest payday. Based on the reaction from boxing fans, it has gone down very well.
“It is easy. [Garcia and Haney] fight in May, and then there will be a big rematch in October. On the same card, we will try Teo against Boots [Ennis], then the winner against the winner, and the loser against the loser in February. We need to discuss this with our partners, Top Rank, Matchroom, Golden Boy, and PBC,” Turki Alalshikh
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