Ryan Garcia has unfinished business with Devin Haney, but the WBC welterweight champion isn’t interested in putting the rest of his career on hold waiting for the rematch.
With Garcia preparing to defend his championship against Conor Benn on September 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, “King Ry” made it clear that Haney is no longer his immediate priority.
Instead, Garcia believes Haney should have to live with what happened when they shared the ring in April 2024.
“I’m not in a rush to make that fight happen. They have to sit with that loss,” Garcia told reporters. “Why do I have to beg for it? I’m here. I’m about to beat up Conor Benn.”
Garcia then rattled off several other major names he’d be interested in facing.
“I want Teofimo Lopez, Rolando Romero and Shakur Stevenson. I have a lot of options. I’m not really worried about Haney now. If it happens, it happens.”
Garcia Believes He’s Boxing’s Lottery Ticket
The history between Garcia and Haney remains complicated. Garcia dropped Haney three times and earned a majority decision victory in their April 20, 2024 showdown. The result was later changed to a no contest after Garcia tested positive for the banned substance ostarine, leading to a suspension and fine.
The controversy has fueled their rivalry ever since. Haney has since become the WBO welterweight champion, while Garcia rebounded from his 2025 loss to Rolando “Rolly” Romero by defeating Mario Barrios in February to capture the WBC title.
Both men now hold championships at 147 pounds, making a rematch even more significant than their first meeting. Garcia, however, doesn’t believe he needs Haney to secure another blockbuster payday.
“All these guys obviously have to come to me,” Garcia said. “I’m definitely the lottery fight. If you want to be a huge name, I’m the guy to do it against. You have to get through me.”
It’s a significant shift in the rivalry. Rather than publicly pursuing Haney, Garcia is positioning himself as the fighter with options and challenging everyone else to come to him.
Haney Rematch Can Wait
A second Garcia-Haney fight remains one of boxing’s biggest potential attractions, particularly now that both men own welterweight championships. But getting there has become increasingly complicated. Team Haney has publicly emphasized enhanced drug testing as an important condition for another fight, while Garcia has pushed back against the idea that he should have to chase Haney for the opportunity.
From Garcia’s perspective, the landscape has changed. He has a world championship, a major fight against Benn and potential opponents including Stevenson, Lopez and Romero.
Haney may remain his biggest rival, but Garcia doesn’t believe that makes him his only option. For now, Garcia’s attention is centered on September 12 and making a statement against Benn.
“I’m here to become a legend.”
If Garcia delivers the knockout he’s predicting, the pressure for another showdown with Haney will only increase. But this time, Garcia wants the boxing world and Devin Haney to understand that he’s willing to make them wait.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
