Eddie Hearn Discusses Devin Haney Lawsuit Against Ryan Garcia and Its Impact on Boxing

On April 20, 2024, at the Barclays Center in New York City, NY, Ryan Garcia shocked the world of boxing as he defeated Devin Haney by majority decision, with the scorecards reading 112-112, while the other two were 115-109 and 114-110. Huge controversy soon followed as “Kingry” failed a VADA pre-fight and post-fight drug test, with Ostarine found in his urine. The situation quickly spiralled and now Haney has filed a lawsuit against Garcia alleging battery, fraud and unjust enrichment, with Garcia’s promoter, Golden Boy Promotions also named in the suit. Reacting to this news, Eddie Hearn has shared his thoughts with Oscar Bevis at The Stomping Ground on the impact this could have on boxing.

Eddie Hearn Weighs in on Devin Haney Lawsuit Against Ryan Garcia

Eddie Hearn Reveals How Ryan Garcia Lawsuit Could Deter PED Use in Boxing

Following the controversy surrounding Garcia’s PED use, Garcia agreed to be suspended for one year retroactive to the fight date, forfeit his base salary of over $1 million, and his majority decision win be overturned to a no contest. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Garcia and Haney, but Hearn has shared his insights on the latest development.

Hearn Shares Insights Into Haney vs. Garcia Lawsuit

After speaking to The Stomping Ground about the Terri Harper vs. Rhiannon Dixon card, Bevis asked the Matchroom CEO about the Devin Haney lawsuit against Ryan Garcia: “It’s really interesting. This could be a really pivotal moment for boxing because people have said in the past that when a fighter fails a drug test and goes through with the fight, should there be legal action or a police action against that fighter,” said Hearn.

He continued: “This case is going to be really interesting because if Devin Haney wins this case, I think it’s going to really start to deter fighters more, and that is definitely needed from taking performance-enhancing drugs.”

Hearn added specifically on the Garcia case: “Some of the bans, Ryan Garcia gets a year, no problem. A few months off, then you’re back in camp. But if you lose tens of millions of dollars, it just puts a different little spin on it. It’s going to be very interesting how that plays out.”

Reflecting on numerous court cases in the boxing world, the Matchroom CEO said: “Whatever you say you are responsible for. Whatever you do, you are responsible for.”

With the outcome of this lawsuit still unfolding, its resolution could set a new precedent in boxing, potentially acting as a deterrent for boxers to use PEDs.