By In a thrilling bout at the Barclays Center, Ryan Garcia emerged victorious in a stunning upset against Devin Haney, demonstrating his resilience and skill in the ring. However, Garcia’s triumph was overshadowed by the fact that he exceeded the light-welterweight limit, rendering him ineligible to win the WBC title.
Despite missing the weight limit by 3.2lbs (1.45kg), Garcia showcased his prowess by knocking Haney down three times during the course of the fight. Judges scored the bout in Garcia’s favor, with two seeing it at 115-109 and 114-110, while a third judge scored it as a draw at 112-112.
Garcia’s victory marks his 25th win out of 26 professional bouts and his second consecutive win following his sole defeat against Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis a year ago. Meanwhile, Haney, the former undisputed world lightweight champion, suffered his first defeat in 32 fights.
Addressing the controversy surrounding his weight and behavior in the lead-up to the fight, Garcia dismissed critics in his post-fight interview, asserting, “You guys overegg everything.”
Haney, while acknowledging his disappointment with his performance, expressed his willingness for a rematch, emphasizing that Garcia’s failure to make weight means he retains his championship status. Haney’s resilience in the face of adversity showcased his determination and readiness to reclaim his position at the top of the boxing world.
As discussions of a potential rematch circulate within the boxing community, Garcia’s victory serves as a testament to his talent, while Haney’s resolve sets the stage for a compelling future showdown between the two contenders.
