The drama between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney began during 2023 but throughout 2024 it has blossomed into one of if not the fiercest rivalry in the sport, as a result of their controversial encounter back in April. Now, Haney has decided to take legal action against his foe, suing Garcia for battery, fraud and unjust enrichment.
Haney signed for the contest as the undefeated WBC super-lightweight champion and as one of the pound-for-pound superstars of the sport – largely expected to dominate against Garcia, who had acted in a concerning manner during the build-up, some suggesting that he had been admitted into a mental health institute just weeks prior to the fight.
At the weigh-in for the event, Garcia’s preparation was brought further into question as he hit the scales four pounds heavier than the super-lightweight limit, forgoing the opportunity to challenge for the WBC strap and being forced to pay a significant fee to Haney.
However, Garcia silenced his doubters inside the ring as he dropped Haney for the first, second and third time of his career on his way to a jaw-dropping majority-decision win in what many assumed would be named as the performance of the year.
Until a failed drugs test tainted all fond memory of the fight.
The result of the battle was eventually altered to a no-contest after it was confirmed that ‘King Ry’ had tested positive for Ostarine on both the day of the weigh-in and on the day of the fight – the perception of the brutal beatdown of Haney changing overnight from an offensive masterclass to a stomach-churning what-if.
We are now five months on from the bout but today it has been announced that Devin Haney has decided to sue Ryan Garcia for battery, fraud and unjust enrichment. In a 16-page document, Haney’s attorney Pat English explained his client’s case, as per Boxing Scene.
“[Haney] at no time agreed to engage in a bout against an individual who had taken a performance-enhancing drug. His consent was limited to a bout held fairly and under the rules and prohibitions set forth above. Thus, the fighting (touching) by Garcia was non-consensual. Devin Haney suffered damages in that he suffered physical injury, reputational damage which will amount to millions of dollars, and emotional and mental distress,”
“Specifically, Ryan Garcia advanced his reputation at the expense of Devin Haney. This translates to significant loss of future earnings for Devin Haney.
“Ryan Garcia additionally received millions of dollars to which he was not entitled. It is against equity and good conscience to permit Ryan Garcia to retain what is sought to be recovered in this action.”
Meanwhile, Bill Haney, father and trainer of the former two-division world champion and plaintiff, who vacated his belt earlier this year, added that this lawsuit is “for the good of the sport”.
“Devin is the face of boxing because he has challenged the franchise in many ways – by working with multiple promoters, by crossing the sides of the street (among broadcasters), and now he’s challenging PED use. This is all for the good of the sport.”
Ryan Garcia is yet to comment on the lawsuit but is already being linked to a return to the ring once his backdated 12-month ban ends on April 21, 2025.
Boxing Social is now on WhatsApp! Join our channel by clicking here and getting all the latest boxing news direct to your phone.
Major prizes on offer with R Kings Competition | Be Gamble Aware | When The Fun Stops, STOP! | 18+. Play Safe.