Not many are giving Ryan Garcia much of a shot this weekend against Devin Haney.
But if Tuesday’s encounter means anything, maybe Garcia does know what he is doing.
The two squared off for a press event high atop the Empire State Building in New York City. After words were exchanged, Haney shoved Garcia.
The fighters were quickly separated.
But the scuffle seemed to have caught wind. The New York Mets decided to not have Haney and Garcia toss out the ceremonial first pitch Tuesday night due to concern over an incident.
Both fighters arrived to Citi Field but were not taken to the field.
Devin Haney Defends Vs. Ryan Garcia Saturday
The 25-year-old Haney puts his WBC super lightweight title on the line Saturday night vs. Garcia. With a perfect 31-0 record, he is regarded as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
In December, Haney won the belt with a decision victory over Regis Prograis. He also holds wins over Vasiliy Lomachenko, George Kambosos Jr. and Joseph Diaz Jr.
Each of his last 13 professional fights have involved a championship belt.
Garcia, also 25 years old, downed Oscar Duarte in December via eighth-round knockout. With a record of 24-1, his only loss came to Gervona Davis.
In 2021, Garcia won the WBC interim lightweight title. He is also a former WBO-NABO and WBC Silver lightweight champion.
Haney vs. Garcia airs live on DAZN pay-per-view.
More must-reads: