Fans Push for Devin vs Garcia Rematch to Settle the Score
Boxing fans are buzzing with anticipation for a potential rematch between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia, and Devin’s father, Bill Haney, is convinced it’s only a matter of time before Devin vs Garcia becomes a reality. Despite the drama surrounding their first fight—including Garcia’s positive test for the banned substance Ostarine—Bill says public demand will ultimately bring the two fighters back into the ring.
Their first encounter, on April 20, 2024, ended in controversy after Garcia’s dominant performance was marred by the post-fight revelation of a failed drug test. While the New York State Athletic Commission officially changed the result to a no-contest, fans are still divided over what really happened that night.
The People Want It
For Bill Haney, it’s simple: if the fans want it, the fight will happen. “It’s the people who decide what fights get made,” Bill said recently. “The fans pay the bills, not the promoters. If they want to see Devin and Ryan go at it again, the networks will make it happen. That’s how this works.”
While there’s still an active lawsuit over Garcia’s failed drug test, Bill doesn’t believe it will stop the rematch from happening. “We’re not dropping the lawsuit,” he explained, “but that’s a separate matter. At the end of the day, this fight is about giving the people what they want.”
Ryan Garcia Is Game
Ryan Garcia, who boasts an impressive record of 24 wins (20 by knockout) and just one official loss, hasn’t shied away from the idea of a rematch. In fact, he’s leaned into it, often teasing Haney on social media about his powerful left hook—the same one that caused so much trouble for Devin in their first fight. “I’ll knock him down again,” Garcia has joked in interviews.
However, there’s a timing issue. Devin Haney has been sidelined by a one-year suspension tied to the controversy surrounding Garcia’s drug test. The suspension ends in April 2025, and until then, Devin is stuck waiting. This has led some to question his inactivity—he hasn’t fought anyone else since that April bout. Critics argue that sitting out for a year could hurt Devin’s momentum, but Bill says their focus is clear: the rematch with Ryan is priority number one.
“Devin’s a champion,” Bill said. “Ryan Garcia is not. If the people want this fight, we’re ready to give it to them.”
Taking Aim at Oscar De La Hoya
Bill Haney didn’t hold back when it came to criticizing Ryan Garcia’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya. According to Bill, De La Hoya has been downplaying the need for a rematch, claiming it’s unnecessary. Bill sees this as a deliberate attempt to ignore fan demand.
“Oscar’s days of calling the shots are over,” Bill said bluntly. “He’s creating these fake narratives, acting like the fans aren’t asking for this fight. But we all know they are. He’s out of touch.”
Source: Bill Haney: The People Want Devin Vs. Garcia Rematch
The Controversy That Won’t Go Away
While Garcia was declared the winner in the ring, his positive test for Ostarine turned the victory into a no-contest. This decision from the New York State Athletic Commission wiped the loss from Haney’s record, but it hasn’t erased the memory of the fight from fans’ minds. Many still see Garcia as the rightful winner, arguing that his performance had more to do with Haney’s weaknesses than anything else.
“Fans don’t care about the drug test,” one boxing analyst said. “They think Garcia won because he’s better, not because of Ostarine. To them, Haney showed he’s got a glass chin and doesn’t pack enough power.”
Bill Haney, however, has made it clear that the failed drug test is a central issue for them. For him, a rematch must include strict drug testing protocols to ensure a level playing field. “The biggest thing is drug testing,” Bill said. “If Ryan was crazy enough to do it the first time, who’s to say he won’t try again? We need to make sure everything’s fair.”
The Fight’s Sticking Points
If the rematch does happen, there are still details to iron out—like the weight class and financial terms. Bill Haney has already rejected the idea of Devin being treated as the B-side in negotiations. “It’s insulting,” Bill said. “Devin’s a proven champion. We’re not going to accept anything less than fair terms.”
Despite these challenges, both camps seem interested in making the rematch happen. Garcia has shown he’s open to the idea, and the Haneys are clearly determined to make it a reality.
A Suspended Dream: Haney Eyes April 2025 for Redemption
For now, Devin Haney has no choice but to wait. His suspension keeps him out of the ring until April 2025, but he and his father remain focused on the rematch. “Devin’s ready to fight whoever the fans want,” Bill said. “And the people are calling for Garcia.”
Meanwhile, Ryan Garcia continues to build his brand, maintaining his status as one of boxing’s biggest stars. Even with the controversy surrounding their first fight, fans haven’t forgotten his performance in the ring. For Garcia, a rematch is a chance to prove his dominance once and for all. For Haney, it’s a shot at redemption and silencing the critics who question his toughness.
Why the Rematch Matters
A second fight between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia wouldn’t just settle a personal rivalry—it would also be a major event for the sport. The drama, the stakes, and the lingering questions from their first fight make this rematch one of the most talked-about potential bouts in boxing. Both fighters have something to prove: Garcia wants to show that his win was no fluke, and Haney wants to remind the world why he was a champion in the first place.
Boxing fans are ready, the fighters seem willing, and the drama is already there. Now it’s up to the promoters, networks, and sanctioning bodies to make it happen. One thing is for sure: when Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia step into the ring again, the world will be watching.
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