Threatening to Sue, Devin Haney Hellbent on Revenge Against Ryan Garcia
Devin Haney, the undefeated champion, experienced an unprecedented vulnerability following his fight on April 20th against Ryan Garcia. For the first time in his career, Haney endured three knockdowns in a single night, leading to mass ridicule and a bruised reputation. However, the tides turned when Garcia tested positive for PEDs, leading to the fight being ruled a no contest. Despite this, the damage to Haney’s reputation and career was significant. His former promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, did not place a bid for his upcoming mandatory title defense against Sandor Martin, underscoring the impact of the loss.
Haney’s Legal and Physical Retaliation
Determined to reclaim his standing, Haney has threatened legal action against Garcia, accusing him of causing financial and mental harm. During an interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Haney’s desire for vengeance was clear. He plans to exact his revenge both inside and outside the ring, making Garcia pay for what he perceives as cheating.
Devin Haney is Out for Blood!
Initially reluctant to face Garcia again, Haney’s mindset shifted as the financial and reputational toll of the no contest became apparent. Speaking with Helwani, Haney declared, “He’s going to pay in the ring and out the ring, and that I mean in many different ways.” Haney’s anger was palpable as he elaborated on his plan to punish Garcia for using PEDs, emphasizing the betrayal he felt.
“When you sign the contract, he said he was gonna be clean going into the fight. Ain’t gonna be nothing in my system, ain’t gonna be nothing in his system. He didn’t hold up his bargain. He didn’t hold up on his side. I wanna get it back in blood inside the ring and outside the ring,” Haney added.
The Disparity in Punishments
Haney is dissatisfied with Garcia’s one-year suspension, considering it insufficient compared to the damage caused. For Haney, the punishment does not fit the crime, especially given the financial losses and tarnished future fight prospects he now faces. Despite the no contest ruling, footage of Haney being dominated by Garcia still exists, adding to his frustration and drive for retribution.
A Surprising Decision: Taking Time Off
Despite his fervor for revenge, Haney has announced a surprising decision to take a one-year break from boxing. He expressed his exhaustion and the desire to fight at whatever weight he chooses in the future, no longer adhering to strict weight classes. This decision raises questions about his future in boxing and whether his hiatus will further erode his standing in the sport.
“I’ll be back n one year.. I had all the belts already. From now on I’m fighting at whatever weight I choose no longer fighting n weight classes,” Haney tweeted on June 20, 2024.
The Future of Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia
As Haney contemplates his break from boxing, the question remains whether fans will miss him during his hiatus. His absence from the ring could further diminish his pull in the boxing world, already on shaky ground after the controversy. Meanwhile, the prospect of a rematch between Haney and Garcia looms large. Will Haney manage to reclaim his honor and defeat Garcia in their next encounter? Only time will tell.
Editor’s Insight:
Haney’s story is a testament to the emotional and financial toll that controversies in sports can inflict on athletes. His journey from a humiliating defeat to a quest for justice highlights the complexities of professional boxing, where the consequences of actions extend far beyond the ring. The upcoming year will be crucial for Haney as he seeks to rebuild his career .
