Haney Still Wants a “Drug-Free” García Next
- Matthew Brown
- May 5
- 2 min read
05/05/2025
Despite the chaos that unfolded in Times Square Friday night, Devin Haney is unwavering in his pursuit of redemption. The former undisputed lightweight champion still wants a rematch with Ryan García—and he wants it under clean and fair conditions.
Haney was originally supposed to run it back with García this fall following their first bout’s controversial ending. Though García had his hand raised in victory, the result was later overturned to a no-contest by the New York State Athletic Commission after García tested positive for banned substances. That led to a lawsuit by Haney against García and Golden Boy Promotions, which was dismissed without prejudice on April 24—leaving the door open for Haney to refile if necessary.
But now, even the notion of a rematch seems tenuous.
On Friday night, García stepped into the ring not against Haney, but against Rolando “Rolly” Romero—and suffered the worst defeat of his career. Romero outclassed García over twelve rounds in what some called a shocking upset, dropping the star with a double left hook en route to a dominant decision win.
A distraught García was later seen crying in the back of a car and took to social media to express his disappointment. “I’m devastated and really sad that I fought the way I did. I just didn’t have it tonight,” he posted.
On the same card, Haney faced former world champion Jose Ramirez in the co-main event, securing a wide unanimous decision with a clinical—if not crowd-pleasing—display of boxing. Haney, known for his technical mastery, leaned into his footwork and defense to neutralize Ramirez over twelve rounds.
While Haney’s performance was effective, it didn’t escape criticism. Oscar De La Hoya, García’s promoter, dismissed it as “boring” and cast doubt on whether a rematch with García would still happen.
Devin’s father and trainer, Bill Haney, didn’t mince words in response.
“Devin beat Ramirez. He gave him 36 full minutes to win and he lost by unanimous decision. That’s facts,” said Bill Haney. “Now we earned the right to beat up a drug-free Ryan García. I don’t care what Oscar [De La Hoya] has to say. I got faith in Turki [Alalshikh]. Only thing Oscar running these days is his mouth.”
Indeed, the Haneys are relying on the influence of Saudi advisor Turki Alalshikh, who has become one of the most powerful dealmakers in global boxing, to ensure the rematch materializes.
For now, the ball is in García’s court. After a humiliating loss and emotional unraveling, questions swirl about his mental state, training habits, and willingness to step back in with someone as disciplined as Haney. Still, the grudge between the two remains unsettled.
If García walks away, the Haneys may refile their lawsuit to enforce the rematch. But if he returns—and stays clean—Haney remains ready.
“He owes me a clean fight,” Devin said earlier this year. “That’s all I want. Just make it fair.”
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