It is hoped that, should they win their fights in May, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney will rematch later this year after a controversial first bout.
The pair faced off last April in what was set to be a defence of Haney’s WBC Super-Lightweight World Title. That was before an erratic Garcia weighed in three pounds over the limit, making him ineligible for a shot at the belt.
A deal was struck for the fight to go ahead regardless and Garcia dropped the champion three times on his way to a decision win. It was later overturned to a no contest when it was discovered Garcia had twice tested positive for a banned substance during fight week.
However, beating the two former champions is not the only obstacle in the way, as Garcia recently told the media Haney must first stop any legal action.
“I said ‘I’m not gonna give you a rematch unless you drop that [lawsuit],’ so we’ve got to see if they hold to their word.”
Haney had accused Garcia of committing battery, with the lawsuit stating:
“While Devin Haney agreed to participate in a prize fight against Garcia, at no time did he agree to engage in a bout against an individual who had taken a performance-enhancing drugs.”
ESPN reported in January that the pair had asked a court to ‘pause proceedings for 90 days’ due to a potential settlement, though Garcia’s recent comments seem to suggest there is still movement behind the scenes to be dealt with.
