Both Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia may have hinted at the possibility of a rematch. But things seem to be taking a different turn, making it appear increasingly unlikely. After their highly dramatic clash at the Barclays Center last year, the two fighters crossed paths again in London. With his media workout, Haney might have arrived a bit earlier. But both Garcia and Haney were present to attend the Ring Magazine awards.

Over a series of interviews, both Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia discussed the prospects of a rematch. Their first encounter ended in victory for Garcia. However, following reports of failed drug tests, it was later overturned to a no-contest. As a result, Garcia faced a year-long suspension and financial penalties. Their bitter differences spilled into the courts, with both fighters filing lawsuits against each other. For Haney, Garcia must undergo round-the-clock VADA testing. However, this demand has been met with resistance from Garcia, who appears to harbor suspicions about the anti-doping agency. In a recent tweet, Haney shared his thoughts on why Garcia’s reluctance to comply with the drug testing requirements.

Devin Haney raises a point

Haney suggested that Ryan Garcia’s reluctance toward testing might stem from concerns that it could disrupt a potential performance-enhancing routine. “Ryan don’t wanna do 365 testing.. because he think he finna take drugs then have enough time to cycle off,” said the light welterweight champion.

However, if that’s the case, Haney posed a question: if Ryan has nothing to hide and is confident he’s clean, why not agree to voluntary drug testing by VADA or another reputable organization? This would ensure transparency and fairness, with Garcia undergoing regular testing from now until the fight.

While speaking to the media during his open workout, Devin Haney, who referred to his rivalry with Ryan Garcia as ‘unfinished business,’ said, “I think he should sign up for the 4/7 VADA program to show that he’s a clean athlete and then get back to boxing.”

The post comes after a viral video showed Bill and Devin Haney heckling Ryan Garcia and his attorney, Lupe Valencia, as they left their hotel lobby and headed toward a waiting vehicle.

A rematch surrounded by uncertainties

Speaking to iFL TV, the father-son duo expressed little optimism about the possibility of a rematch. “He’s telling lies; he does not want to fight, and, uh, it’s cap; he’s just talking…. Ryan Garcia, that’s a fight that you know we want to make, but, uh, Ryan Garcia doesn’t want to make the fight,” said Devin Haney.

But it seems the conditions come from the other side as well. During an interview with Radio Raheem, Ryan Garcia made it clear. For the two sides to even begin a conversation, Team Haney must first drop the lawsuit against him. Last September, the boxing world was stunned when news broke that alleging battery, fraud, and breach of contract, Devin Haney had filed a lawsuit against his bitter rival.

Nevertheless, Garcia stated that a rematch with Devin Haney is something that ‘interests’ him too. However, Haney demands an ‘even playing field’ through strict, year-round, round-the-clock testing. Thus, if both sides fail to reach a mutual agreement, the fight might end up on the back burner.

What about you? Do you think imposing constant testing on an opponent is a fair demand?