Devin Haney Speaks Out After First Career Defeat, Eyes Rematch with Ryan Garcia
Devin Haney has addressed his first professional loss, affirming his resilience and intent to return stronger. Haney, who entered the Brooklyn match with an undefeated 31-0 record, faced Ryan Garcia, who had attracted attention for his controversial pre-fight behavior, including erratic social media posts and concerns regarding his mental health.
Despite being favored to win, Haney was knocked down three times by Garcia, who secured a majority decision victory. Following the fight, Garcia celebrated controversially in his dressing room.
Haney has now publicly responded, expressing his readiness for a rematch and his physical well-being. On X, he shared: ‘Alhamdulillah Allah is the perfect planner he makes no mistakes.. fought like a true champion. Got up off the canvas & kept fighting. I am 100% ok & would love to do it again while we both make weight.’
Post-fight, Garcia claimed to have broken Haney’s jaw, a claim contradicted by photos showing Haney’s facial swelling. Haney refuted this claim in a subsequent tweet: ‘I have [not] broken anything btw like I said I’m OK’.
He further vowed to return to the ring, posting: ‘Same way you dish be able to take it… I will be back InshaAllah.’
The fight, held at the Barclays Center in New York, concluded with scores of 112-112, 114-110, and 115-109 in favor of Garcia. Notably, Garcia failed to capture Haney’s WBC light-welterweight title due to missing the weight requirement for the bout.
Garcia’s aggressive approach paid off early as he delivered a powerful left hook in the opening minute. Although Haney initially appeared to regain control, Garcia’s relentless attack brought Haney to the mat in the seventh round. Despite having points deducted, Garcia’s offensive did not wane, leading to further knockdowns, though two were ruled as non-knockdowns.
Garcia’s pre-fight conduct, including a substantial weight miss and a bizarre claim of being deceased, sparked debates about the fight’s propriety. His agreement to compensate Haney $500,000 per excess pound resulted in a $1.5 million penalty. The fight week concluded with Garcia engaging in a heated confrontation at the press conference, highlighting the tumultuous lead-up to their encounter.
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