In a highly anticipated matchup, Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia have reached an agreement to fight for Haney's junior welterweight championship on April 20 in Las Vegas. This bout is set to be Haney's third consecutive pay-per-view fight and will be his most high-profile match yet, signaling his ascent into stardom.
At just 25 years old, Haney has quickly established himself as a formidable force in the ring. He is currently ranked as ESPN's No. 6 pound-for-pound boxer and is the reigning runner-up for fighter-of-the-year honors. Haney's stellar 2023 campaign included a thrilling decision victory over the legendary Vasiliy Lomachenko to retain his undisputed lightweight championship. Additionally, he secured a dominant win over Regis Prograis, making him a two-division champion in his junior welterweight debut.
Haney, who fights out of Las Vegas, will be defending his 140-pound title against Garcia, who is regarded as one of boxing's top stars. Garcia boasts lightning-fast hands and has gained a notable following within the sport. His previous clash with Gervonta Davis drew significant attention, generating over 1 million pay-per-view buys and more than $22 million in gate revenue. Despite a seventh-round TKO loss in that bout, Garcia agreed to a catchweight, limiting his weight to 146 pounds on fight day.
While Garcia's most recent performances took place at 140 pounds, his showdown with Haney will mark his first opportunity for a world title. Currently ranked as ESPN's No. 8 boxer at 140 pounds, Garcia will look to upset Haney and change the course of his career. Fueled by his massive 10.3 million Instagram followers, Garcia aims to solidify his place among the sport's pound-for-pound elite.
This fight between Haney and Garcia has been years in the making, with the two athletes facing off six times during their amateur careers. However, it is Haney who boasts greater accomplishments as a professional boxer. With an impressive resume, Haney aims to add another win to his record by emerging victorious against Garcia.
For Garcia, this bout presents a chance to secure a career-defining win that could catapult him onto the pound-for-pound list and alter his trajectory within the sport. Both fighters carry substantial social media followings, with Haney amassing 2.6 million Instagram followers and Garcia surpassing the 10 million mark.
As fans eagerly await this epic clash, boxing enthusiasts are thrilled to witness the meeting of these two talented athletes inside the ring. With their distinct styles and tremendous skill, Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia have all the ingredients for an unforgettable battle that will captivate the world of boxing.
