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Hearn Wants Haney vs. Garcia Rematch – ‘It’s A Massive Fight’

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated 5/25/24

Eddie Hearn still wants a rematch between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia.

The fight threw up many thrills as Garcia shocked the world by giving Haney his first career defeat. He dropped The Dream three times to win a majority decision, which arguably should have been unanimous. However, the result is now in doubt after Garcia failed two VADA tests for Ostarine. The substance is banned because it helps fighters increase muscle mass and stamina and burn fat.

Garcia maintains that he is innocent, but the B sample has confirmed the A sample findings. Garcia’s attorney has shown that the amount in the boxer’s system is insufficient to enhance performance. Ryan has also conducted a hair follicle test, which came back negative. That ruled out the idea that Garcia had been using PEDs on a long-term basis.

However, strict liability still means that Garcia could face a ban. Haney has also requested that the New York State Athletic Commission disqualify Garcia so he can get the win. If the result is overturned, Garcia may request a rematch to prove he can beat Haney again. If the result remains in place, Haney may want a rematch to show he can beat Garcia on fair terms. Based on the reaction to the first fight, a rematch becomes even bigger. Hearn is keen on making that fight.

Hearn Reacts

“I think so and I think it’s a massive fight as well. I wasn’t surprised Devin win, ‘I’m not fighting Ryan again,’ because he’s really angry. If Ryan wasn’t in boxing, he’d probably make money with something else, but I want him in boxing. I think he’s a massive asset to boxing,” Hearn said

Nevertheless, that depends on a variety of factors. The length of Garcia’s ban could impact any decision. If Garcia faces an extensive ban, he may pursue things outside of boxing. His huge social media following and business ventures have set him up for the rest of his career. At 25, Garcia has stated that belts are not the primary factor.

He simply wants to make the biggest fights. Haney would also have to agree to such a rematch. As of now, The Dream has ruled that out. He was vocal about how he could have lost his life in the ring. Haney was also critical of Garcia’s conduct during the build-up and after the win. Since Haney suffered a lot of damage to the ring, he may simply decide it is best to focus elsewhere.

Haney Reacts

“Honestly I’m not too interested in it. During the build-up we’ve seen a lot of interesting things from him. We’ve seen his character, we’ve seen the guy cheat, we’ve seen the person that he is. I don’t see myself ever getting back in the ring [with him], but I’m a fighter speaking right now about how I feel, we never know what the future holds.

“As of right now, it wouldn’t be a fight I would entertain. As I said, this guy showed his character, he showed that he would do anything to win, including cheat, that’s just reality. Boxing is just a sport at the end of the day. He put my life in jeopardy. So now it’s deeper than boxing with me. I wanna take this thing somewhere else now. He could’ve done some real dangerous things to me that night,” Haney said

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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