In a shocking turn of events, the New York Athletic Commission has made the decision to ban rising boxing star Ryan Garcia for one year. The ban comes with a heavy price tag, as Garcia will be losing $1.1 million of his guaranteed purse. Additionally, the fight in which Garcia emerged victorious over Devin Haney on April 20th has now been ruled a no-contest. This decision has reset Haney’s unbeaten record to 31-0, a move that he and his father requested. Despite the fight being declared a no-contest, fans may still remember Haney as the loser in this matchup. Garcia, feeling abandoned by the sport, expressed his disappointment by stating, “I really hope boxing is good without me.”
Devin Haney’s Response and Hiatus
Following the restoration of his unbeaten record, Devin Haney has announced that he will be taking a one-year hiatus from boxing. With a sense of assurance in his accomplishments, Haney declared, “I’ll be back in one year. I had all the belts already. From now on, I’m fighting at whatever weight I choose, no longer confined to weight classes.” It is speculated that Haney’s decision to step away for a year is a strategic move to avoid suffering a defeat. By taking time off, he can set the stage for a highly anticipated rematch with Ryan Garcia upon his return. Despite losing his WBC light welterweight title due to the hiatus, Haney was unwilling to accept a meager $1.5 million purse for a mandated title shot against Sandor Martin. This low offer would have meant significant financial setbacks for Haney and potentially jeopardized his chances of a lucrative rematch with Garcia. The New York Commission’s actions may have artificially restored Haney’s undefeated status, but the memories of his knockdowns in the seventh, eighth, and eleventh rounds still linger among fans.
Looking Ahead
As the dust settles from the fallout of Ryan Garcia’s ban and Devin Haney’s subsequent hiatus, the boxing world is left to ponder the future of these two talented fighters. With unresolved issues and unfinished business between them, there is no doubt that a rematch between Garcia and Haney will be highly anticipated when it finally comes to fruition. In the meantime, fans will continue to speculate on the implications of Garcia’s suspension and Haney’s temporary departure from the ring. Only time will tell how these developments will shape the landscape of professional boxing and the legacies of these two skilled athletes.