There`s clearly no affection lost between professional boxers Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney. The two were involved in an intensely hostile verbal spat during their pre-fight press conference this week in New York City.
Both fighters are set to compete at the “Fatal Fury: City of Wolves” boxing event taking place in Times Square this Friday. Ryan Garcia is challenging Rolly Romero for the WBA welterweight title, while Devin Haney faces Jose Ramirez in the co-main event. However, their heated exchange at the press conference almost made it seem as though they were scheduled to fight each other, rather than separate opponents.
Garcia and Haney share a significant history. Garcia secured a victory over Haney in April of the previous year, but that win was later overturned to a `No Contest`. This followed Garcia missing the weight limit for the bout and subsequently testing positive for the banned substance Ostarine. Garcia reached a settlement with the New York State Athletic Commission, resulting in a one-year ban from competition, a financial penalty, and the official result being changed. Despite this, “King Ryan” continues to claim innocence regarding the positive test. Naturally, Haney holds a different view on the matter, and a future rematch appears likely if both competitors are successful in their respective fights on Friday.
The situation quickly escalated from a relatively calm start. Tensions flared when Garcia was questioned about a confrontation he had with Devin Haney`s father and trainer, Bill Haney, during Tuesday`s open workouts.
“He was coming at my physique, but it’s all good,” Garcia stated heatedly. “They were saying the same thing last time and they got their ass whooped last time, too! And you’ll get your ass whooped again!”
Devin Haney was quick to fire back, referencing Garcia`s positive drug test.
“He got off that Ostarine, and he don’t even sound the same!” Haney retorted. “His voice changed back. Your physique changed! You’ve got titties now! Those muscles gone, your voice is gone. This motherf*cker is gone!”
The verbal conflict only intensified from there.
Bill Haney interjected, questioning Garcia`s state: “What the hell happened to Ryan Garcia? This is not the same Ryan Garcia, at all.”
Garcia responded with extreme aggression, shouting.
“I’ve got multiple personalities, bitch!” Garcia yelled back. “I’ve got multiple personalities, bitch! And you don’t want to see the crazy one! You don’t want to see the crazy personality, bitch! You and your son are some bitches. You a big bitch!”
This pattern of intense shouting continued for several minutes, with both sides constantly interrupting each other. The audience present also became involved, prompted by Garcia to chant at Bill Haney.
The Haneys persisted in bringing up Garcia`s failed drug test. The situation took an unexpected turn when Bill Haney and Golden Boy Promotions head Oscar de la Hoya nearly came to blows after Haney made comments about de la Hoya and his promotional company. Although it later appeared Haney was not intentionally insulting de la Hoya, the Hall of Fame boxer still offered to settle their disagreement physically.
“Everybody’s a great fighter here,” de la Hoya commented. “There’s three main events, three great fights. Sit down, learn how to promote. We can have four if you want. Me and you!”
