Ryan Garcia secured an impressive upset victory over Devin Haney, flooring his fellow American three times as he claimed a majority decision win at the Barclays Center.
Despite Garcia’s inability to meet the 10st (63.5kg) light-welterweight limit by 3.2lbs (1.45kg), which made him ineligible to win the WBC title, and concerns surrounding his recent erratic tweets and behavior during fight week, he still managed to knock down Haney in the seventh, 10th, and 11th rounds. This performance earned favorable judgments from two judges who scored the fight 115-109 and 114-110, while a third judge scored it a draw, 112-112, in Brooklyn.
Garcia, who had a point deducted in the seventh round for punching during a break, has now won 25 out of 26 of his bouts, securing two consecutive victories since his only professional loss to Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis a year ago.
Haney, the former undisputed world lightweight champion who clinched a 140lb title with a commanding points win over Regis Prograis in December, suffered his first defeat in 32 fights. “Come on, guys, did you really think I was crazy? You’ve all gone overboard,” Garcia remarked in his post-fight interview. “You guys tend to exaggerate everything.” Haney expressed disappointment with his performance.
“I’ve proven my resilience even after being knocked down and injured,” he commented. “I’m keen on a rematch. I extended him the chance, so it’s only fair he returns the favor. As he failed to meet the weight requirement, I retain my championship status. Let’s schedule a rematch.”
In a dramatic turn of events, Ryan Garcia secured an unexpected victory over Devin Haney, claiming a significant upset. However, Garcia’s triumph was marred by his failure to meet the weight limit, resulting in the forfeiture of the WBC title. Despite this setback, Garcia’s performance showcased his resilience and determination in the ring. As both fighters reflect on this bout, the stage is set for a potential rematch, promising another thrilling chapter in their rivalry.
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