Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney clearly have no love lost between them.
Both Garcia and Haney are scheduled to compete at the “Fatal Fury: City of Wolves” boxing event in Times Square on Friday. Garcia is set to fight Rolly Romero for the WBA welterweight title, and Haney will face Jose Ramirez in the co-main event. However, their intense exchange at Wednesday`s press conference made it seem like they were the main event.
Garcia and Haney share a significant rivalry. When they previously fought last April, Garcia won the match but failed to make weight and later tested positive for Ostarine, a prohibited substance. Garcia reached a settlement with the New York State Athletic Commission, leading to a one-year suspension, a fine, and his win being changed to a No-Contest. Despite this, “King Ryan” asserts he is innocent, while Haney disputes this claim. A future rematch seems likely if both fighters succeed in their respective bouts on Friday, and their interaction at the press conference certainly fueled anticipation for such a possibility.
The press conference began calmly, but the tension quickly rose when Garcia was questioned about his earlier confrontation with Devin Haney`s father, Bill Haney, during Tuesday`s open workouts.
He was criticizing my physique, but that`s fine,” Garcia stated. “They said the same thing last time and got soundly beaten then, too! And you`ll be soundly beaten again!
He`s off the Ostarine, and he doesn`t even sound the same!” Haney retorted. “His voice is back to normal. Your physique has changed! You`ve got man-boobs now! The muscles are gone, your voice is gone. This guy is finished!
The situation only intensified from that point.
What on earth happened to Ryan Garcia?” Bill Haney commented. “This is not the same Ryan Garcia in the least.
I`ve got multiple personalities!” Garcia fired back. “I`ve got multiple personalities! And you absolutely don`t want to see the crazy one! You don`t want to see the crazy personality! You and your son are cowards. You`re a big coward!
The exchange continued in this heated fashion for several minutes, with both sides yelling over each other. The crowd also joined in, chanting “shut up” towards Bill Haney, prompted by Garcia`s instigation.
The Haney contingent kept attacking Garcia regarding his failed drug test. The situation then took an unexpected turn when Bill Haney and Oscar de la Hoya came close to a physical altercation after Haney made remarks concerning de la Hoya and his company, Golden Boy Promotions. Once things calmed, it seemed Haney hadn`t intended to insult de la Hoya, but the legendary boxer still proposed settling the dispute via a fight.
Everyone here is a great fighter,” de la Hoya stated. “There are three main events, three great fights. Sit down and learn how to promote. We can make it four if you wish. You and me!
