Bill Haney’s Latest Comments Could Complicate Ryan Garcia Rematch

Ryan Garcia “Number 10” on the List

When asked where Garcia ranks among Devin Haney’s possible opponents, Bill Haney downplayed the urgency of making the rematch.

“Ryan is on the list; he’s number 10, because there are some things that we would like for him to do, whether it’s maturity or being pushed by his team,” Bill Haney said.

The comments project confidence from Team Haney, suggesting they believe they hold leverage despite Garcia remaining one of boxing’s biggest attractions.

Drug Testing Remains the Biggest Obstacle

The primary sticking point continues to be drug testing. Bill Haney made it clear that the fallout from Garcia’s April 20, 2024 victory which was later changed to a no contest after Garcia tested positive for ostarine has not been forgotten.

“As good as those highlights look, they look like a big lie to me,” Bill said.

He added that Team Haney wants Garcia enrolled in the VADA testing program for an extended period before discussing a rematch.

“What I want to see him going is the drug, the VADA drug program. Give us a significant amount of time for us to have faith… that he’s clean. You want to make sure that it’s fair.”

From Team Haney’s perspective, that request is understandable given the circumstances surrounding the first fight.

Garcia Has Already Rejected VADA

The problem is that Garcia has repeatedly stated he has little interest in accepting VADA as a condition for a rematch. Since serving his suspension, Garcia has openly questioned the organization’s credibility and said he no longer trusts the testing process following his positive result.

Instead, he has suggested using another independent anti-doping agency and has criticized what he believes is Team Haney’s close relationship with VADA. Those opposing positions leave both camps starting negotiations from very different places.

Is Team Haney Negotiating From Strength?

Bill Haney’s comments also suggest he believes Devin is the side dictating the terms. Whether that proves to be the case remains to be seen.

While Devin Haney is an undefeated world champion and one of boxing’s elite talents. Garcia continues to be among the sport’s biggest pay-per-view attractions and one of its most marketable fighters. Any negotiation will likely require concessions from both sides.

Publicly attaching conditions before formal talks begin may strengthen Team Haney’s negotiating stance, but it could also make an agreement more difficult if Garcia remains unwilling to accept VADA as the exclusive testing authority.

Will the Fight Ever Happen?

The demand for a Haney-Garcia rematch has only grown since their controversial first meeting. The sporting intrigue is obvious. So is the financial upside.

But unless both camps find common ground on drug testing and other negotiating points. One of boxing’s most anticipated rematches could remain on the sidelines while each fighter pursues other opportunities.

For now, the biggest obstacle isn’t what happens inside the ring it’s whether both sides can agree on the terms to get there.