Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney’s rivalry intensified at a heated press conference ahead of their separate fights at the Times Square boxing event, with personal insults exchanged and tensions escalating, hinting at a potential rematch.
Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney? They really don’t like each other.
On Friday, they’re both in action at Times Square’s Fatal Fury: City of Wolves. Garcia’s facing Rolly Romero for the WBA welterweight title. Meanwhile, Haney’s up against Jose Ramirez in the co-main event. But honestly, you’d think it was Garcia and Haney squaring off after their fiery exchange at Wednesday’s press conference.
Their rivalry’s got history. Garcia won their last bout in April, but he missed weight and tested positive for Ostarine. The New York State Athletic Commission handed him a one-year ban, a fine, and changed the win to a No-Contest. Garcia insists he’s innocent. Haney? Not buying it. They’re on a collision course, assuming both win on Friday. They sure hyped up a rematch.
It all started calmly. Then someone asked Garcia about his spat with Haney’s dad, Bill, at Tuesday’s open workout. That’s when things got heated.
“He was coming at my physique,” Garcia snapped. “But it’s all good. They talked last time, got whooped last time! And it’ll happen again!”
Haney fired back. “Off that Ostarine, huh? Your voice changed! Physique’s different! You’ve got titties now!” Ouch.
And it just escalated.
“What happened to Ryan Garcia?” Bill Haney taunted. “This isn’t the same guy.”
Garcia shot back, “I’ve got multiple personalities, bitch! You don’t want to see the crazy one!”
The shouting match continued, with the crowd chanting “shut the f*ck up” at Bill Haney, spurred on by Garcia.
Then, a twist. Bill Haney and Oscar de la Hoya nearly came to blows after Haney’s comments about de la Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions. Cooler heads prevailed, but de la Hoya wasn’t amused.
“Everybody’s a great fighter here,” de la Hoya remarked. “Three main events, three great fights. Want four? Me and you!”
Catch the explosive press conference above.