Turki Alalshikh Addresses Haney-Garcia II After Underwhelming Returns

On May 2 in Times Square, New York City, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney returned to action, looking to win and move on to Haney vs Garcia 2 later in 2025. It was an underwhelming return for each fighter, and the rematch plans appear in tatters. Turki Alalshikh has spoken to Fight Freaks Unite about the much-discussed rematch.

Haney vs Garcia 2 in Doubt After Underwhelming Returns

Alalshikh Addresses Haney-Garcia Rematch

Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) and Haney (32-0, 15 KOs) fought in Brooklyn last year, with Garcia winning by majority decision. The build-up was eventful with “Kingry” missing weight. The chaos continued after the fight when it was revealed that Garcia had failed a VADA pre-fight and post-fight drug test, with Ostarine found in his urine. His behaviour deteriorated post-bout with the fight later declared a no-contest, with the Victorville native serving a one-year suspension retroactive to the fight date. In addition, he also agreed to forfeit his base salary of over $1 million. 

Speculation over the rematch grew, and it was clear: if Haney beats Jose Ramirez and Garcia beats Rolly Romero, the inevitable rematch would be made. Haney, though gun-shy at times, secured a wide decision win on May 3, but Garcia was knocked down and comfortably defeated by Romero, blowing up the planned rematch.

Haney vs Garcia 2

The boxing world appears split on whether we need to see Haney-Garcia 2 after their snooze-inducing returns. In the build-up to May 3, it was clear there is still no love lost between the two, and the question remains, could we see these two rivals share the ring again?

His Excellency seems uncertain about whether the rematch will happen when speaking to Dan Rafael at Fight Freaks Unite: “We need to see the condition of Garcia,” said Alalshikh. “Maybe we will delete (the rematch) and do small a fight for him. It will be clear in two weeks.”

If we are to see Haney vs Garcia 2 in the future, I feel both need to build up confidence with one or two wins before they face each other.