Ryan Garcia recently clapped back at Devin Haney for dismissing the possibility of a rematch following the fallout from the performance-enhancing drug (PED) scandal. ‘KingRy’ has been handed a one-year suspension after reaching a settlement with the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) in June following his positive test for the banned substance ostarine.
The suspension is retroactive to Garcia’s dominant majority decision victory over Haney this past April, a result that has now been overturned to a no-contest. Additionally, the 26-year-old polarizing boxer forfeited his disclosed fight purse of approximately $1.2 million and was hit with a $10,000 fine.
When Garcia’s drug test results were first made public, ‘The Dream’ expressed in an interview with ESPN SportsCenter in May that he was no longer inclined toward a rematch. Recently, ‘KingRy’ took to Instagram to respond to Haney’s remarks.
In his post, the former WBC interim lightweight champion made it clear that he’s done with Haney, declaring their rivalry has ended with his contentious victory. He wrote:
“I get it, so let’s close this chapter. It’s over. I won, that’s it, and he complained and sued and did everything you don’t do. WHO’S NEXT? BECAUSE I’LL NEVER GIVE HIM ANYTHING AGAIN.”
After weighing in 3.2 pounds over the limit for the 140-pound bout, Garcia was disqualified from contending for the WBC super lightweight title, allowing Haney to retain the belt.
Garcia’s last official victory came in December when he knocked out Oscar Duarte in the eighth round. Before that, he experienced the only defeat of his career in April 2023, when Gervonta Davis stopped him in the second round.
Did Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney previously agree to a rematch?
While Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney may currently disagree on a rematch, ‘The Dream’ initially expressed interest in running it back after the NYSAC announced that their first fight had been ruled a no-contest.
In a since-deleted post on X in June, Haney stated that he wants a rematch with Garcia once his rival’s suspension for PEDs is lifted:
“I’m happy it wasn’t a DQ because I wouldn’t wanna win like that once this suspension is over, @RyanGarcia; let’s run it back. CLEAN on an even playing field… Biggest fight in boxing!”
‘KingRy’, who had previously blamed Haney for his suspension, accepted his offer for a rematch:
“Okay, Devin, I forgive you. Let’s run it back. Love wins.”