Pre-Fight Chaos: Questions Swirl Around Garcia
The highly anticipated clash between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney was dominated by pre-fight drama. Garcia's increasingly erratic public statements and social media activity sparked widespread concern regarding his mental readiness and focus. This behavior, contrasting sharply with his previously curated image, cast a significant shadow over the promotion.
Weight Miss Adds Fuel to the Fire
The controversy escalated dramatically at the weigh-in. Ryan Garcia tipped the scales at 143.2 pounds, a significant 3.2 pounds over the 140-pound super lightweight limit. This immediately rendered him ineligible to win Haney's WBC title, regardless of the fight's outcome, and reportedly resulted in a hefty financial settlement between the fighters due to a pre-fight bet.
The Upset: Garcia Stuns Haney and the Boxing World
Against a backdrop of doubt and dysfunction, Ryan Garcia delivered a shocking and explosive performance on fight night (April 20, 2024). Overcoming his underdog status, Garcia utilized his speed and power, most notably his devastating left hook, to knock down the previously undefeated Devin Haney three times. Despite Haney's resilience, Garcia secured a stunning majority decision victory (112-112, 114-110, 115-109), sending shockwaves through boxing.
Key Moments from the Ring
- Garcia scored crucial knockdowns in the 7th, 10th, and 11th rounds.
- Haney displayed toughness, surviving knockdowns that would have finished lesser opponents.
- Garcia's left hook was the defining weapon of the fight.
- The majority decision reflected Garcia's dominance in key moments, despite Haney's technical skill.
Post-Fight Bombshell: Positive Drug Test Emerges
The discussions surrounding Garcia's victory took a sharp, controversial turn weeks after the fight. It was reported that Garcia tested positive for the banned performance-enhancing substance Ostarine in samples collected *before* the bout. Garcia vehemently denies knowingly taking any banned substances, attributing the positive test to contamination.
What's Next? Futures Clouded by Investigation
The future for both fighters is now heavily dependent on the outcome of the doping investigation. Garcia faces potential suspension and the overturning of his victory to a no-contest or disqualification loss. This significantly impacts any talk of rematches or future big fights. Devin Haney could see his undefeated record restored and may pursue other championship opportunities or await the resolution of Garcia's case. The fallout from the positive test will shape the immediate careers of both boxers.