In a stunning upset victory, Ryan Garcia emerged victorious over Devin Haney in their bout at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Leading up to the fight, Garcia’s mental health and physical fitness were questioned, but those doubts were silenced as he dropped Haney three times on his way to a majority decision victory. Garcia displayed impressive power and speed from the outset, nearly flooring Haney with a powerful left hook in the opening seconds of the first round. Despite a valiant effort from Haney to rebound, Garcia ultimately proved to be too much for him.
The turning point came in the seventh round when Garcia dropped Haney with another powerful left hook, causing the latter to struggle to his feet and appear visibly wobbly. While Dock penalized Garcia for a punch on the break, Haney had been guilty of excessive holding throughout the fight without consequence. Garcia would go on to send Haney to the canvas two more times before the final bell rang. Despite the varied scorecards, the decision ultimately went to Garcia, solidifying his status as the rightful winner.
As an underdog in the hours leading up to the fight, Garcia’s victory was a shocking turn of events in the boxing world. Although he missed weight, the win did not result in a title change as Haney will retain his WBC Super Lightweight title. Both fighters expressed interest in a rematch, with Garcia’s newfound respect and increased brand likely garnering even more attention for a potential second bout. Haney, on the other hand, will need to regroup after suffering his first defeat.
The fight itself was filled with excitement and competitiveness, with knockdowns adding to the drama of the upset victory. Despite the bizarre buildup to the event, the in-ring performance proved to be a display of the sweet science that culminated in Garcia’s triumph. Garcia’s win not only solidified his reputation as a fighter but also raised questions about Haney’s preparation and focus leading up to the bout. As fans and journalists alike reflect on the unexpected outcome, it is clear that Garcia’s victory will be remembered as a defining moment in his career and the boxing world as a whole.
