BROOKLYN, NY – Ryan Garcia (25-1, 20 KOs) devised an ingenious plan and executed it successfully. The strategy was to devise and coordinate psychological warfare against Devin Haney (31-1, 15 KOs).
Ryan played a persona that was a combination of Mike Tyson and Conor McGregor, and although it may have seemed strange to many, he was able to come out victorious.
From the first round on, Garcia proved to be the stronger puncher, using Haney's left side to land a left hook that shook Haney. It was Garcia who controlled the fight and kept Haney at bay.
Haney's output was significantly reduced compared to his previous bouts, as he threw just 214 punches over the 12 round bout. He connected with a low connection rate of only 87 punches and probably his lowest 12 round output.
Garcia's output was higher than Haney, landing 106 of 285 punches. Ryan scored three knockdowns in the process, hurting and disorienting Haney in the rounds he was knocked down.
Ryan Garcia was awarded a majority decision, with the judges ruling 112-112, 110-114, and 109-115 in Garcia's favor. Haney won the early rounds, but after being knocked down in the seventh round, he began to lose momentum and the ability to defend against Garcia's power shots.
Haney tried his best to counter Garcia's firepower, but found himself being counterattacked with power shots if he chose to engage. Garcia fooled those who believed he was not ready or mentally fit to compete in a boxing match.
In the post-fight press conference, Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya said Ryan Garcia is now the face of boxing. If boxers want to make money, they'll have to fight on Ryan's terms.
Ryan's star power continued to grow after this match, and this match made him one of the biggest draws on the PPV. For Haney, he lost his honor and invincibility, which may have had the opposite effect. Haney did not attend the postgame press conference, choosing to sit out the event.
Garcia's victory leaves him free to choose his next opponent. It hasn't been decided who he will face yet, but he hinted that he could move up to the next weight class since it will be very difficult for him to get down to 140 pounds.
In the post-fight press conference, he stated that the maximum weight he can drop at this time is 143 pounds, and that it will be difficult. He envisions a fight with Sebastian Fundora, a fight he predicts he will win by knockout.
