Devin Haney has caused a flutter across the boxing world. Months after that fateful fight at the Barclays Center, the ‘champion in recess’ returned not for a match in the ring. Rather, he initiated a legal battle. Charging Ryan Garcia for ‘fraud, battery, and unjust enrichment’, Haney filed a lawsuit claiming requisite damages. The fight on April 20 might have entered boxing history for the most unfortunate reasons. After knocking down Devin Haney three times, Ryan Garcia won the fight via majority decision.

But then misfortune struck. He tested positive for banned substances. Consequently, the athletic commission suspended him for a year. Additionally, Garcia faces a slew of fines. Interestingly, one bit required him to pay around $1 million to his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya‘s Golden Boy Promotions. Meanwhile, Devin Haney opted to take a break. At the time, he had hinted at proceeding with legal action against ‘KingRy’. Interestingly, now, after months that he followed through, a certain section of followers don’t seem too happy about the move. On his part, his father explained what warranted the measures against The Golden Boy Promotions.

Bill Haney: Who rightfully deserves it?

Bill Haney, first of all, wanted everyone to grasp the significance of the situation rather than allow it to pass by without comprehension. “Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy promotions were awarded $1 million for damages for the fight Devin Haney versus Ryan Garcia on April 20th,” he said.

So he had a simple query. On what basis were ‘The Golden Boy’ and his promotions company deemed entitled to the $1 million? “What damages did they occur?” asked Devin Haney’s father. Hence, to set the record straight, thankfully his son stepped in and opted for the legal recourse. He added, “So with that saying, the suit stands.”

However, it seemed he wasn’t too pleased with certain views of Top Rank’s Bob Arum. At the Mikaela Mayer–Sandy Ryan fight in New York’s Madison Square Garden, a reporter invariably sought a response on the Haney-Garcia lawsuit from the veteran protomer. “I don’t want to talk about it. Fighters shouldn’t sue each other; they just fight in the ring,” he said.

So Bill Haney found Arum’s views disheartening. Despite being a lawyer himself, it’s surprising that Arum felt that fighters shouldn’t be moving courts to settle their disputes. Then he cited how, in the past, the Top Rank boss himself faced a few legal proceedings. Devin Haney’s father said, “I mean, haven’t you been sued before Marvin Haggler uh Terence Crawford?”

Hence emphasizing the complexities and challenges involved in the boxing business, Bill Haney welcomed everyone to the ‘Devin Haney Era’. Many fans seem quite on board with the Haneys. However, a few have voiced their doubts as well.

In contrast

For instance, Rick Glaser opined that Devin Haney should feel ’embarrassed’. After all, according to him, the fact remains that Ryan Garcia completely dominated him on April 20. Hence, the boxer and his father should have ideally stopped dwelling on the past and accepted the outcome. Terming the lawsuit a desperate move, the boxing insider said, “Instead, file a lawsuit resulting from the competition of #Boxing; they aren’t winning that lawsuit.“

Like wise, Calvin Ford also pointed out that ultimately both camps had mutually agreed to a signed contract. Besides, if its about the weight issue, then Devin Haney received a hefty sum from Garcia. Then, for drug test failure, ‘KingRy’ has already been found guilty and suspended. Hence, according to Gervonta Davis‘ trainer, the most suitable approach could have been a fight in the ring.

Clearly, as the matter gains heat, more such deliberations falling on either side of the fence would emerge.

What is your take on Bill Haney’s contention on the lawsuit against Ryan Garcia and the Golden Boy Promotions?