Promoter Eddie Hearn has doubts that a rematch between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney will be boxing's biggest fight since Kingery is serving a one-year suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission.
Concerns over Garcia's one-year suspension
Hearn isn't sure how Ryan will handle nine months without a training camp after being banned by the New York commission. Ryan's life could fall apart during the suspension, and Hearn suggested anything could happen.
The biggest concern is that Ryan will push himself physically, neglect his training and gain weight that he will be unable to lose before his one-year suspension ends in the first quarter of 2025.
For fighters competing in the 140- or 147-pound class, once they fall out of shape, it is much harder to lose weight and get back up into their old weight class than it is for fighters competing in higher weight classes like heavyweight.
Haney has already asked Ryan (25-1, 20 KOs) for a “rematch” in what he believes would be the biggest fight in boxing history, but there are doubts as to whether a rematch will even happen, as Haney is threatening to sue Ryan.
“I don't know if either of them will never fight again. It's not a given that Ryan isn't going to do something that means he won't fight in the next nine or 10 months,” promoter Eddie Hearn said on Charlie Person's YouTube channel when asked if Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney would be boxing's biggest fight when Ryan's one-year suspension expires in April 2025.
“If I was on that team, that would be a concern. [Ryan Garcia]”It's not like, 'OK, Ryan, let's take it easy for nine months and then start camp.' Can you imagine Ryan Garcia taking it easy for nine months with no camp?” Hearn said.
Haney's possible retirement
In Haney's case, he has spoken about taking a year or two off boxing to travel and spend money, and if he is serious about it, he may choose to retire if he no longer has the desire to keep fighting.
Haney's confidence was hit hard by his loss to Ryan and he may lose interest in returning to the ring if his market value doesn't return.
Devin is already disappointed with the low WBC mandatory contract bid of Sandor Martin at $2.42 million, and if Haney expects the tender to be offered to be in the range of $5 million to $20 million, he may choose to retire if that doesn't happen.
