Do We Need The Haney Vs. Garcia Rematch?

The Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia rematch has long been discussed, but is it needed?

Garcia defeated Haney in a thrilling majority decision win, as he dropped Haney three times to secure the biggest victory of his career. The build-up produced many controversial talking points, with worries over Garcia’s mental health. Ryan also suggested that he was drinking in the run-up to the fight, as he would miss the 140-pound limit. Ryan paid Haney a fine to proceed with the fight, only for his win to eventually get turned into a no-contest after Ryan failed VADA tests for Ostarine. 

Garcia’s fight with Rolando Romero was designed to set up the Haney rematch. However, Ryan lost a unanimous decision, as he looked far away from the man who beat Haney. Devin returned with a dull-inspired unanimous decision win against Jose Ramirez, as he was criticised for running around the ring. The fight produced the fifth-lowest punchout as per CompuBox, resulting in massive backlash. 

Eddie Hearn says Ryan Garcia is “in a bit of a mess” following his unanimous decision defeat to Rolando Romero. Garcia was dropped in the second round and never fully recovered, hesitating to throw in fear of Romero’s counters. The Saudis may still put on the rematch next, but with Garcia’s form in question and Haney’s recent struggles, a rematch between the two is far from guaranteed.

Will It Happen?

“Ryan is in a bit of a mess, really. He’s got to come back, get a win. I think he should be beating Rolly. We saw behind closed doors that kind of atmosphere has an effect on performances, but you know what to expect…I think they both need another fight,” Hearn said

If the rematch does not happen, Ryan’s aim should be to win a world title. This is the major talking point surrounding his career, as he has yet to get past that hurdle. The Haney win would have secured him the WBC Junior Welterweight Title had he made weight and not failed his VADA tests. 

Equally, Haney is a two-weight champion, having won titles at 135 and 140. His fight against Ramirez was his first at 147. There are chances to face the WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios or the WBO Welterweight Champion Brian Norman Jr. They are not the biggest punchers, which may give Haney confidence to secure a win. A win could then set up a mega fight with Jaron Ennis. These options leave Haney and Garcia with plenty to consider.