The Haneys Still Want Revenge, and Ryan Garcia Holds the Power to Decide Where It Happens

An Unsettled Score Between Two Boxing Prodigies

When Devin Haney stepped into the ring against Ryan Garcia in April, he was defending more than just a title—he was defending his legacy. But what many expected to be another defining moment in the young champion’s career turned sideways in a way no one saw coming. Ryan Garcia stunned the boxing world that night with a gritty majority decision win over Haney. But the victory didn’t come clean. Garcia missed weight by a full three pounds, making him ineligible to claim Haney's WBC super lightweight belt. Instead, Haney walked away with his title intact—but also with a bitter taste in his mouth. So now, the big question looms: Will Garcia face Haney again in the ring, or will this grudge move into the courtroom?

Lines Blurred Between Sport and Strategy

Devin Haney’s father and trainer, Bill Haney, is clear—right now, anything is on the table. "It's not over," Bill said. "We want that rematch. But if it's not happening in the ring, then we’ll find justice elsewhere." And "elsewhere" might just be a court of law. The Haneys are seriously considering taking legal action against Garcia, alleging that his failure to make weight wasn’t just a fluke—it was a calculated act. That’s a heavy accusation in a sport already under fire for everything from corruption to fighter safety. But in this case, it might hold more water than you’d think.

No Title, No Problem—for Garcia

Here’s what made the night even more frustrating for Haney. While Garcia couldn’t claim the title due to missing weight, he still got all the glory. Media headlines, viral clips, and post-fight celebrations painted Garcia as the hero. But for the Haney camp, that narrative feels off. Without the weight discipline, was it a fair fight? Bill Haney doesn’t think so. And he might have a solid point. In a sport where making weight is as crucial as throwing punches, failing to do so gives one fighter a potential physical advantage—especially in the later rounds.

The Fight That Should’ve Been a Rematch

Let’s back up a bit. Haney and Garcia go way back. Both rose through the amateur ranks with parallel ambitions and intertwined careers. They were always destined to meet in a high-stakes bout—that much was inevitable. But no one expected things to unfold like this. Now, boxing fans everywhere are left wondering: Why hasn’t a rematch already been booked? This would be the perfect time to run it back—with both men on equal terms. Instead? We’re stuck in limbo. Garcia hasn’t confirmed interest in a rematch. And Haney’s team isn’t willing to let things slide. They’ve explored options—from filing a formal protest with the athletic commission to considering full-blown legal proceedings.

Is Legal Action Really the Answer?

Some may see the courtroom as an extreme move in a sport built on handling business inside the ring. But the Haneys view it differently. “You can’t let someone manipulate the rules and walk away without consequences,” Bill said. And frankly, they’re not wrong to raise concerns. Boxing rules exist for a reason—especially during the weigh-in. When an athlete signs a contract to compete within a certain weight class, those limits aren’t suggestions—they’re conditions of the agreement. By missing weight, Garcia broke that agreement. The Haney team argues that not only was this unfair, but it also put Devin’s health and competitive edge at risk.

What Comes Next? The Ball’s in Ryan Garcia’s Court

Right now, much of the future depends on Garcia. If he agrees to a rematch under fair conditions (and makes weight), a second fight could settle things the right way—in the ring. But for now, Garcia’s future is uncertain. He recently hinted at taking a break from boxing and has been vocal about his struggles with mental health. That makes any timeline for a potential sequel unclear.

More Than Just a Belt

This isn’t just a battle over wins and losses—it’s a fight for reputation. For Devin Haney, this was supposed to be a defining moment as one of boxing’s brightest young champions. Instead, he was left with a controversial loss, even though his title remains intact. Bill Haney has made it crystal clear: they’re not after clout—they want accountability. “We’re not ducking anything,” he said. “We just want the playing field to be even.”

Boxing Fans Want Justice, Too

Boxing has always had its share of controversy—fights called too early, judges scoring wide in questionable directions, fighters missing weight. But in an era where sports fans expect transparency and fairness, cases like this miss the mark. If boxing wants to keep its integrity intact, it needs to address these concerns head-on. Not just for the fighters, but for the sport's long-term future. Let’s be real: We all love a great underdog win. But only when it’s earned fair and square.

Will We See a Haney-Garcia II?

Only time will tell. And that clock is ticking. Whether in a sold-out arena or in front of a judge, this story isn’t over. Not by a long shot. What comes next could redefine both fighters' legacies—and shape how boxing handles controversial fights moving forward. Until then, fans remain in suspense, hoping we get a definitive answer soon. Because in boxing, the only true closure is when the final bell rings—and both fighters walk away knowing it was fair.