Haney vs Garcia 2: Controversies and Two-Fight Deal in Place

On April 20, 2024, Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) pulled off a huge upset, defeating Devin Haney (31-0-1, 15 KOs) by majority decision with the scorecards reading 112-112, while the other two were 115-109 and 114-110 for Garcia. The fight was just the beginning of the drama with Garcia failing a VADA pre-fight and post-fight drug test, with Ostarine found in his urine.

Rumours have circled about Haney vs Garcia 2. It now appears a step closer following both fighters meeting separately with Turki Alalshikh this past weekend around The Ring magazine 2024 awards dinner. Dan Rafael reveals in his Fight Freaks Unite Substack that there is a proposed deal in place but there appear to be some significant hurdles to overcome.

Haney vs Garcia 2: Legal Disputes and Proposed Rematch Deal

Controversies Surrounding the Haney vs Garcia Rematch

Around The Magazine awards, His Excellency met with many boxers to discuss 2025, and Haney and Garcia were two of those. Rafael reveals that the outline of a two-fight deal is in place for both fighters, which would involve them fighting in the spring, with the highly anticipated rematch taking place in October at a contracted weight of 147 pounds. It’s not all plain sailing for the negotiations with the Haney lawsuit filed against Garcia and agreed drug testing causing issues.

Haney previously filed a lawsuit for battery, fraud and unjust enrichment against Garcia related to their April 20 bout. Their original fight verdict was overturned to a no contest, with Garcia being fined $10,000, having to forfeit his purse and accept a ban (expiring in April).

Garcia has yet to agree to VADA testing, which would be required as part of the deal from the spring bout to the rematch. The New York Commission also requires a clean drug test to re-license “Kingry.”

Likely Outcome

Dan Rafael confirms through his source that the deal is not yet signed. Key issues, including drug testing and the ongoing lawsuit, remain unresolved. However, looking ahead, it seems likely that this rematch will take place. Turki Alalshikh even listed the fight in his 2025 wishlist, stating: “I also want to see Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia—the rematch.”

If the fight is finalised, both the build-up and the bout itself promise to deliver box-office entertainment.