Devin Haney, the WBC’s champion in recess at 140lbs, is focused on Ryan Garcia for his next bout, when Garcia is eventually allowed to return to the ring.
Haney (31-0, 15 KOs), 25, regained his undefeated status after a majority decision loss to Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) was overturned to a no-contest by the New York State Athletic Commission due to Garcia’s positive drug tests for Ostarine, but that hasn’t softened the blow.
The ordeal has been a public spectacle, with Haney enduring criticism, from being knocked down multiple times in the fight to temporarily losing his unblemished record. Haney described the period surrounding the Garcia fight as a “roller coaster” and “a circus”.
Speaking on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour, Haney commented, “I wasn’t upset, I was just talking shit. Right now, my focus is on handling business at hand, and then I’ll return to the ring when the time is right.”
Regarding Matchroom Boxing, led by Eddie Hearn, not bidding on the fight, Haney added: “He spoke his opinion on why he didn’t bid on it, and that’s what it was. It didn’t make or break me, it was cool. Me and Eddie have a great relationship and we will do business in the future.”
Haney clarified that he and Garcia are not friends, emphasizing his desire for a rematch: “He will pay for what he did in and out of the ring” and he also emphasized the importance of stringent drug testing, which he feels has financially impacted him.
“This whole situation has cost me money,” Haney lamented. “I would love for my next fight to be against Ryan Garcia. If everything is right.”
Discussing the potential timeline, Haney dismissed the idea of waiting until April 2025, considering Garcia’s one-year suspension by NYSAC: “That’s not feasible. I may return sooner, but the desire to face Garcia remains strong. That is the fight the world wants to see. Of course, I want to get mine back in blood, I am just that kind of fighter.”
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