Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia‘s controversial first encounter had the entire boxing world talking.
The American stars locked horns in April 2024, with ‘King Ry’ – albeit with an advantage after coming in over the weight limit – putting on a career best performance to defeat Haney via majority decision, dropping the two-weight world champion three times during the twelve rounds.
All was not as it seemed however, as it was later discovered that Garcia had tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine around fight night.
The 26-year-old from California was subsequently issued with a one year suspension from boxing, a fine of over $1 million and the result was overturned to a no contest.
Building off that controversy, it is expected that the fighters will meet in a rematch later this year if they come through their next bouts.
One boxing icon who knows all about rematches is Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez, having had four famous fights with Manny Pacquiao throughout his career.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Marquez shared his thoughts on the potential rematch and who he thinks will be victorious this time around.
“For me I would like to see that, because I think Devin Haney’s a good fighter, Ryan Garcia’s a great fighter and then think it would be a great rematch.
“Would be a tough fight, it’s a difficult fight for both fighters but I think Ryan Garcia again, I don’t know. It’s another tough fight for both.”
Marquez also insisted that strict testing must be in place after the events of last year.
Before a rematch can take place, both fighters must come through fights which are set to take place on the same card on May 2 at Times Square in New York City. Garcia will face Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero whilst Haney is set to take on former unified super lightweight champion Jose Ramirez.
