Devin Haney’s next fight will not be against Ryan Garcia, but the former champion is open to rematching his rival – on one condition.
Garcia was the victor on the night when the two met in 2024, however, the result has since been turned into a no-contest. ‘King Ry’ would fail drug tests following the bout, resulting in the win not being added to his record.
Not only would the fight result be overturned, but Garcia was given a 12-month suspension from boxing, keeping him out of action until at least April 20th, 2025.
Meanwhile, Haney is understood to be returning in March, meaning the rematch between the two will have to wait.
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Devin Haney will face Ryan Garcia for a second time under one condition
Following his loss to Garcia, Haney has made it clear that he wants to avoid facing another fighter who is not in line with anti-doping policies.
To avoid a repeat of his Garcia bout, Haney has said that his future opponents must be signed up for the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency’s (VADA) 24/7/365 testing system.
The VADA program means that fighters who sign up for the testing can be called upon to submit samples at any time of the year. This means that fighters must produce clear samples at random times throughout the year, whether they are scheduled to fight or not.
Speaking to Boxing News Haney’s father and trainer, Bill Haney, has said reiterated his son’s desires, while making special mention to Garcia and Teofimo Lopez.
“It lets Teofimo and Ryan know that, anyone who wants to fight Devin Haney, sign up to [VADA’s year-round testing program] if you’re really serious.”
“Let the people know that you really are a clean athlete, otherwise you might be eating that other kind of beef we’ve been hearing about.”
However, Lopez is also an unlikely candidate to face Haney in March. Lopez rejected an offer from Turki Alalshikh to fight Haney, according to ‘The Dream’.
- READ MORE: Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez trade insults on social media after comeback fight revelation
Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia admit rivalry is personal
Both Haney and Garcia were in attendance at the Ring Magazine awards in London on Saturday night.
When speaking to Ring Magazine, both fighters admitted that their rivalry was personal and Haney expressed interest in the rematch.
Garcia was asked if things were personal between him and Haney, to which he responded, “Yeah, I think so. After the lawsuit and everything that went down, to me it’s a little personal. Hopefully, we keep our distance [at the Ring Magazine awards].”
Then, Haney was told how Garcia felt about their rivalry, to which he agreed with his former opponent. “Yeah, it’s 100% personal. At the end of the day, he cheated, he got caught. So yeah, it’s very personal. I won’t be happy until that fight is done, the rematch.”
Haney would then go on to say that he did see his rival at the award show, however, Garcia “didn’t say a word.”