Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney reignited their rivalry in a fiery exchange at a news conference ahead of their potential rematch later this year. The event, held to promote the upcoming Times Square fight night in New York, saw the two fighters clash verbally for the first time since their controversial bout in April 2024.
A Heated Face-Off Before Their Rematch
Both Garcia and Haney, aged 26, are preparing for separate welterweight bouts on Friday. The stakes are high, with the potential for a rematch later in 2025 if both men emerge victorious. Garcia, who recently served a one-year doping ban after testing positive for the banned substance ostarine, saw his original victory over Haney overturned into a no-contest.
During the press conference, the heated exchange between the two was sparked by a question about a recent incident at the open workouts earlier in the week. At the workout, Bill Haney, Devin’s father and trainer, heckled Garcia, making critical comments about his physique.
Haney Takes Aim at Garcia’s Physique
Haney took the opportunity to taunt his rival, saying, “His voice changed back. Your physique changed. Those muscles gone, your voice is gone.” Garcia responded by confidently stating, “They were saying the same thing last time and they got whooped last time, too. And you’ll get whooped again.”
The exchange escalated when Bill Haney joined in, claiming, “What happened to Ryan Garcia? This not the same Ryan Garcia, at all.” Garcia, undeterred, fired back by encouraging the crowd to chant “shut up” at Bill. The tension reached a peak when Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya, visibly frustrated, attempted to confront Bill Haney, only to be held back.
De La Hoya and Lopez Add to the Drama
As the verbal altercation unfolded, Teofimo Lopez, the light-welterweight champion, added to the spectacle by wearing a silver wrestling mask and chanting “Oscar” with the crowd. De La Hoya responded by throwing in a playful jab at Bill Haney, saying, “Everybody’s a great fighter here. There are three main events, three great fights. Sit down, learn how to promote. We can have four if you want. Me and you.”
Fight Night on Friday
The focus quickly shifted back to the fighters as Garcia and Haney continue their preparations for their respective bouts. Garcia is the main event in New York, where he faces Rolly Romero in a much-anticipated fight, while Haney will take on Jose Carlos Ramirez in an all-American clash.
In the undercard, Teofimo Lopez, who is defending his WBO light-welterweight title against Arnold Barboza Jr., will also be looking to make a statement. Lopez, known for his flamboyant personality, certainly added an entertaining touch to the press conference with his wrestling mask antics.
Looking Ahead to the Rematch
Both Garcia (24-1-1NC) and Haney (31-0-1NC) have their sights set on a potential rematch later in 2025, and fans are eager to see how their rivalries unfold on the biggest stage. Will Garcia come back stronger after his doping ban, or will Haney prove his dominance once again?
Stay tuned for the fireworks when these two collide in the ring later this year, but first, they must each take care of business on Friday night in New York.
