WBC super lightweight champion Devin Haney and challenger Ryan Garcia will meet for the first time as professionals on April 20th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. However, this isn't the first time the two have traded punches.
Most of the time, when martial artists step into the ring for a fight, they are strangers. They compete in the same sport, have the same goals, and endure the same level of sacrifice, but they barely know each other.
Haney and Garcia are polar opposites and have sparred and competed against each other numerous times as amateurs. For almost a decade, they have watched each other evolve professionally and now feel each understands the other's standards.
WATCH: Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia live on DAZN
Last week, Garcia posted footage of a sparring session filmed several years ago. “It's too fast for them,” said the young Californian. On Twitter (X). There's been a lot of water under the bridge since then, making Haney the heavy favorite to emerge victorious when it matters most.
Have Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia fought before?
Haney and Garcia have known each other for more than a decade, and reportedly rang the horn six times during an amateur fight. Many sources claim a draw of 3 wins and 3 losses, but not all results can be verified.
Did Devin Haney lose to Ryan Garcia as an amateur?
In his second appearance in the unpaid ranks, Haney reportedly dropped a decision to Garcia. However, “The Dream” was defeated by a decision at the 2014 U.S. Junior Championship.
In 2020, Haney told Chris Mannix that Garcia didn't have a win against him. “I beat him every time,” he said. “Don't believe anything he says.”
Did Ryan Garcia beat Devin Haney?
Garcia's father told Blue Blood Sports TV that his son hurt Haney.
“Ryan gave him the first eight count, so Ryan shook him,” Henry Garcia said.
It should be noted that in amateur matches, the referee can award an eight count even if no knockdown is recorded.
Haney claims he has never failed in the gym, amateur or professional.
