The shocking news of Devin Haney’s lawsuit against Ryan Garcia last Friday has sparked a divided response from the world of boxing.
Some have suggested that, following his controversial showdown with Ryan Garcia in April, Haney should focus on securing a rematch with his super lightweight rival.
But instead, the 25-year-old has chosen to sue the social media star, alleging battery, fraud and unjust enrichment.
This unexpected lawsuit has emerged largely because, before his victory was overturned to a no-contest, Garcia had tested positive for Ostarine, a performance-enhancing drug.
And Devin Haney, who was floored three times in the contest, now seeks to find a resolution for the problems he faced during the build-up and the fight itself.
Timothy Bradley gives his honest take on Devin Haney’s lawsuit against Ryan Garcia
Since the news broke, several fighters such as Teofimo Lopez have slammed Haney for his decision to take legal action against Garcia.
However, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has backed ‘The Dream’, hoping that the threat of a lawsuit could act as a deterrent against drug usage among fighters.
And now, boxing Hall of Famer Timothy Bradley has offered his thoughts, urging Haney to, instead, address the mistakes he made in the fight.
“This [is] the softest s*** I’ve ever seen in my life,” Bradley said on ProBox TV. “Take your butt whooping like a man, dude.
“Look, put it this way: I don’t condone steroids. I can’t stand them; I can’t stand steroid usage at all.
“However, [Haney] was in the fight, he signed the contact, he got that extra money for [Garcia’s] extra weight, you know, he got the 0 back on his record – like, what else do you want?
“Now you’re gunna go and sue Ryan Garcia for battery? It’s a boxing match at the end of the day. You’ve still gotta keep that right hand at home, bro.”
Ryan Garcia reacts to Devin Haney suing him
Garcia has now hit back at Haney on social media, sharing several images of his destructive performance against the American.
But while the 25-year-old has kept his name relevant, calling out the likes of Terence Crawford, he will not be able to return to the ring until a later date.
This is because he was handed a year-long ban from the sport which, in the eyes of most boxing fans, was a relatively lenient punishment for his failed drugs test.
Nevertheless, the former world title challenger must see out his suspension and, depending on the result of Haney’s lawsuit, may even be faced with a series of harsher charges.