Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney are currently in a disagreement over drug testing requirements for their potential rematch. This dispute arises following their controversial match earlier this year.
The boxers first faced off in April 2023 for the WBC Super-Lightweight World Title. Garcia emerged victorious by unanimous decision, knocking Haney down three times. However, his victory was short-lived. Garcia failed to make weight before the fight, which rendered him ineligible to win the belt. Subsequently, he tested positive twice for Ostarine, a prohibited substance. As a result, the New York State Athletic Commission suspended Garcia for a year, and the fight’s outcome was changed to a no-contest.
Haney didn’t stop at the suspension. He took legal action against Garcia, filing a lawsuit for battery, fraud, and breach of contract. This added another layer to the existing tension between the two fighters.
Now, Haney is demanding proof of Garcia’s drug-free status before any rematch occurs. In a recent interview, Haney outlined his conditions: “I think he should sign up for the 24/7 VADA programme, show he’s a clean athlete and then get back to boxing. If he’s clean, yeah. We want an even playing ground. I think that’s important.”
Haney mentioned that he is already enrolled in year-round drug testing himself. He proposed that a rematch could take place in 2025, but not as their next bout, given he has a scheduled fight in March.
Garcia didn’t respond positively to Haney’s requirements. He took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his disapproval. Garcia stated that he will never use VADA again and accused Devin’s father, Bill Haney, of suspicious motivations: “It’s getting really strange why it’s always VADA can we get some other organisations to test? All this sounds like the people pushing to use VADA are getting some type of cut money wise to have people use VADA. Seems unethical.”
Garcia continued to assert his innocence, stating, “I will always state my innocence. I’m clean. That organisation I will never use again.” Despite the tension, there’s anticipation for their rematch due to the financial incentives, though it’s uncertain if their rivalry will be resolved anytime soon.
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