A rivalry that never truly cooled may be heating up again. While working the DAZN broadcast for the junior lightweight unification between Emanuel Navarrete and Eduardo Nunez, Devin Haney publicly expressed interest in running it back with Ryan Garcia.
Garcia didn’t waste time responding. “Haney if it’s time to end you it’s time… Mark my words you’ll never fight again after this.”
The message, posted on X, reignited one of boxing’s most chaotic modern rivalries. The two went back and forth with Haney responding.
“Let’s understand u lost to Rolly 1 fight ago. 1 fight ago u weren’t even ranked in the division but your dming me talkin about your the A side. I’m #1 in the division & on the P4P list. If you don’t wanna fight just say that. Stop tryna gaslight.”
The Controversial First Fight
Haney and Garcia first met in April 2024. Garcia initially scored a majority decision victory, but the result was overturned after he tested positive for Ostarine. Garcia has maintained
The fallout was intense:
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Haney filed a lawsuit alleging fraud and battery
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A tentative settlement was eventually reached
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The legal drama now appears secondary to a potential rematch
Rather than prolong court proceedings, Haney seems focused on settling matters in the ring.
Why the Rematch Makes Sense
From a business standpoint, Haney vs. Garcia II may indeed be the biggest fight boxing can make right now:
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Built-in controversy
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Personal animosity
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Massive social media reach
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Unfinished competitive narrative
Haney has stayed active since their first bout, defeating:
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Jose Ramirez (UD, criticized performance)
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Brian Norman Jr. (UD, won WBO welterweight title)
The Norman win reestablished Haney’s championship credentials at 147 pounds and quieted critics who questioned him after the Garcia debacle.
Stakes in a Second Showdown
If this rematch materializes, it would carry layers:
For Haney:
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Erase the chaos of 2024
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Legitimately defeat Garcia
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Cement status at welterweight
For Garcia:
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Validate the original performance
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Silence PED controversy
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Reclaim narrative control
Garcia’s vow that Haney would “never fight again” adds fuel, but it also raises expectations. The first fight delivered drama. The second would need to deliver clarity.
What’s Next?
With both fighters signaling willingness, the ball likely shifts to negotiations. Promotional alignments, purse splits, and weight class agreements will dictate the timeline.
But one thing is clear: The rivalry isn’t over. It may just be entering its most explosive chapter. This is the biggest fight in boxing to be made and it looks like we’re headed towards a summer grudge match.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
