After months of anticipation, the Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney fight is fast approaching.
Haney is the WBC super lightweight champion with a record of 31 wins, 0 losses, and 15 KOs. He will look to defend his title belt against Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) on Saturday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Much of the talk about the match focused on Garcia's actions and whether or not the match would take place as scheduled. The 25-year-old boxer made outlandish claims on social media, including invoking the devil and risking crucifixion.
In April 2022, Garcia suffered a seventh-round knockout loss to Gervonta Davis. He defeated Oscar Duarte Jurado by KO in his next fight in December 2023.
Haney, also 25, is coming off a win over Regis Prograis in a December 2023 bout in San Francisco.
Has Ryan Garcia gained weight?
At Friday's weigh-in, Ryan Garcia weighed in more than three pounds below his contracted weight of 140 pounds, according to ESPN. However, the battle still continues.
More boxing news:Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia: How to watch the boxing match and odds
Who will win in Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney?
Robert Segal, Boxing News 24: “Even if Haney was going to go head-to-head, once he gets a taste of Ryan's power, he'll change his mind and return to the safety-first style we've seen over the past four games.”
- prediction: Haney by one-sided decision or late knockout
Lucky Ngamwajasat, Bleacher Report: “One punch can change any fight, and 'King Rye' definitely has the weapons to catch Haney if he lets his guard down. But the smart money here is that Haney will not let Garcia out. Keep your arms outstretched to show that you are moving towards victory.
- prediction: Haney by unanimous decision
Daniel Yanofsky, Sporting News: “The havoc Garcia brought to this fight is alarming. It could be an act, it could be a cry for help, but if you're talking about pure skill, that's where Haney is king.”
- prediction: Haney by unanimous decision
Matt Veli, Evening Standard: “Garcia's path to victory is certainly by knockout, and while it's hard to imagine him winning on points, we expect Haney to control the fight in his usual calm fashion and outmaneuver his rival through 12 rounds.”
- prediction: Haney wins by unanimous decision
Josh Peter, USA TODAY: “Due to Ryan Garcia's erratic behavior, I am hoping for the best but also expecting the worst.”
- prediction: Haney wins after Garcia gets DQed in 8th round.
