Devin Haney has exacerbated his bitter feud with Ryan Garcia after filing a lawsuit against his rival on Friday, alleging battery, fraud and unjust enrichment.
The 25-year-old was floored three times before getting outpointed by Ryan Garcia in their controversial showdown last April, suffering his first defeat as a professional.
But then, the result was overturned to a no-contest when it emerged that the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association had found Ostarine – a performance-enhancing substance – in Garcia’s system.
And while the New York State Athletic Commission handed the American a year-long suspension, as well as fines, Devin Haney is now seeking a harsher resolution.
Devin Haney will sue Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions as well as Ryan Garcia
In addition to testing positive for a banned substance, Garcia also missed weight for his bout with Haney by a staggering 3.5 lbs, despite taking an IV of fluid – a practice that is banned by the New York Commission – prior to their contest.
What is more, the 25-year-old’s erratic behaviour on social media during the build-up is a further concern that has been cited by team Haney.
“At no time did Devin Haney consent to engage in a bout against a boxer who was positive for a performance-enhancing drug, performance enhancing-procedure or masking agent and would not have proceeded with the bout had he known,” Haney’s attorney, Pat English, wrote in the lawsuit reported by Boxing Scene.
“The New York State Athletic Commission would not have permitted the bout had it known of the positive finding or of Garcia’s IV use.”
The boxer’s father and manager, Bill Haney, has also confirmed that they will be suing Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, as the outfit received $1 million in damages shortly after Garcia’s actions came to light.
Teofimo Lopez explains why Devin Haney’s lawsuit against Ryan Garcia is a ‘turnoff’
While Devin Haney has expressed an interest in rematching Ryan Garcia, it would seem that the two-weight world champion may be forced to consider alternative options in the meantime.
His super lightweight rival, Teofimo Lopez, has always kept his name in the mix for a potential, mouth-watering matchup.
But now, it appears that the former undisputed champion is more interested in seeing what the next steps for Haney will be.
“I think that Devin is continually just taking losses in and out of the ring,” Lopez told FightHype. “It’s not a good look; it doesn’t look well, it’s a turnoff. It keeps [fans] from wanting to see the next Devin Haney fight.”