As fight night approaches, anticipation reaches fever pitch for the showdown between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia, although a hiccup during the weigh-in has altered the dynamics of the much-anticipated bout. Haney, set to defend his WBC super lightweight title, will no longer face Garcia as originally planned, after Garcia missed weight during Friday’s weigh-in. However, the intensity of their rivalry promises to ignite the ring when the bell rings.
Garcia, fresh off a knockout victory over Oscar Duarte in December, seeks redemption following a defeat to Gervonta Davis. However, the boxing star has left fans worried about his mental health in the buildup to the fight. Garcia has undergone mental health checks and has been giving the all clear.
With the spotlight firmly on them, questions linger: Will Haney effortlessly dispatch his adversary? Or will Garcia silence his doubters with a stunning upset? The stage is set for an electrifying showdown between two skilled pugilists.
Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia Guide: Live Stream, Predictions, Match Card, & Betting Odds
Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia fight date is inching closer and the event is still without a confirmed undercard.
Haney vs. Garcia Date and Start Time:
Date: Saturday, April 20
The event is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. UK (Sunday), with the main event ringwalks anticipated around 11 p.m. ET / 4 a.m. UK (Sunday). For viewers in Australia, the start time will be 10 a.m. AEST (Sunday), and for Mexico, it will be 7 p.m. CDT. However, these timings may be subject to change based on the duration of the undercard fights.
Ryan Garcia’s Weight Woes Lead to Contract Amendments
King Ry Justifies Coming In Overweight
In the aftermath of Ryan Garcia’s weight struggles ahead of the Devin Haney fight, social media has been set abuzz with the boxer’s unconventional posts and reactions. The saga unfolded when Haney successfully met the 140lbs super-lightweight limit at the official commission weigh-in, held behind closed doors on Friday. However, Garcia tipped the scales 3.2 lbs over the limit at 143.2 lbs.
Typically, fighters slightly over the limit are granted additional time by the commission to meet the agreed weight. Yet, the New York Commission, citing the significant discrepancy, refused Garcia this opportunity. This decision momentarily plunged the fight into disarray, prompting both camps to hastily negotiate terms to proceed with the bout as a non-title fight—a resolution they successfully reached.
In a twist, Haney disclosed that Garcia had honored their press conference wager, compensating him $500,000 per pound he exceeded the limit, totaling $1.5 million. However, reports hint that this public gesture might be a facade, with Garcia potentially set to pay $600,000 along with 2% of his PPV earnings as per the amended contract terms.
Garcia’s subsequent social media posts further fueled the drama. “I feel great and I got a three-pound advantage, let’s gooo hahahahaa. Winners do what they have to do I’m still sharp,” Garcia declared. His rhetoric escalated with statements like, “F*** ALL THAT, VIVA MEXICO, WE’RE LEAVING WITH HIS HEAD. BELTS WILL ALWAYS BE THERE,” and “Why would I force myself to make weight so I can be weak? Nah, I’m here to win. That’s it.” He concluded with a humorous nod, attributing his weight gain to carrying promotional duties and increased finger strength from tweeting.
In contrast, Haney condemned Garcia’s behavior as “very unprofessional,” remarking, “I told him yesterday his antics would betray him, and this is just the start.”
