What if it’s not a bluff? What if Ryan Garcia is spiraling down and about to crash and sabotage the upcoming title fight with Devin Haney? Concerns about the cancellation of the April 20 showdown between ‘KingRy’ and the WBC champion are real and slowly gaining traction. So what happens if the worst fears come true and the NYC Commission fails to sanction the fight? Who steps in then?

It seems ‘The Dream’ might not be short of suitors. Haney, 25, holds the gold strap at 140 and has been in contention to become the next face of boxing. It was not surprising when another young but surging name, Shakur Stevenson, threw his name into the mix and made himself available as a backup fighter. But will the fans like the prospect of the champion going against the champion?

Clash of skills and technical caliber: Devin Haney vs. Shakur Stevenson

Imagine Haney, but more technically gifted, and you will have Stevenson. Stevenson, 26, turned pro after bagging a silver at the 2016 Olympics and has since kept an unblemished record of 21-0. In his 7-year-long pro career, he has held titles in three weight classes and currently reigns supreme at 135 as the WBC champion. However, the Newark native’s last fight spoiled his upward trajectory as he failed to put on a show against Edwin De Los Santos.

Despite being the champion, the top fighters have avoided him because of his not-so-fan-friendly style. Stevenson has grown frustrated with the situation to the extent that he announced his retirement, only to call it off. It’s evident why he is keen to fight Haney if Garcia makes himself unavailable. He needs to kill a big name to boost his stocks. It’s his hunger to make amends and the allure of two skilled champions exchanging blows that will make this fight interesting.

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However, the downside is that the hypothetical fight might turn out to be a snooze fest. Both Haney and Stevenson prefer fighting at range and on the back foot, so bar purists, you might not enjoy how they settle their battle. Likewise, the promoters would be weary of the contest as they might find it hard to sell. Instead of a more skilled version of himself, Haney needs an exciting fighter.

Need fireworks? Enter Subriel Matias

Subriel Matis is the most thrilling kid on the 140-pound division block. The 31-year-old has knocked out 100% of his opponents in his 20 wins. The only time he went the distance, he lost the fight. Matias brings carnage to the table and boxes to destroy, which appears to be the total antithesis of Haney.

Moreover, the Puerto Rican boxer recently signed with Eddie Hearn‘s Matchroom Boxing to elevate his career and make a name for himself by bagging bigger names. He wants to become a star, and the British promoter might help him get there. What’s more? Hearn also promotes Haney, and it’s easier to set up the fight. Matias is the closest to what Garcia brings to the fight and would be an interesting choice. But there is a catch.

“I Reached Out To Bill”: Shakur Stevenson Insists on Serving As 1st Backup Option in Case Ryan Garcia Pulls Out Against Devin Haney

The IBF champion is in talks to make his defense against Liam Paro in June. So, it remains to be seen how Hearn might pull the strings and make the fight happen. While Haney might be good enough to outbox Matias over 12 rounds, his camp might be divided on whether Haney needs to fight such an explosive fighter. And if Haney just craves adding another belt to his waist, he can have a relatively easy pick in the winner of Rolando Romero vs. Isaac Cruz.

Adding more gold: Facing the winner of ‘Rolly Romero’ and Isaac Cruz

Among all the champions at 140, Rolly Romero’s resume can be called the lightest. In addition, some continue to question his status as a champion, as they believe Romero won the title with a premature stoppage against Ismael Barroso. But his prodigal skills at the mic and trash-talking create buzz surrounding the fights, and there is never a dull moment. No one is better at playing with words than he is at 140.

The clash of Romero’s verbal jibes and Bill Haney‘s responses will light up the press conferences. But it would be interesting to see whether the WBA champion would be able to replicate his words into action inside the square circle.

What do you make of the chances of Ryan Garcia pulling out of the Devin Haney fight? Who do you think should challenge for the WBC belt, then? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: Devin Haney Warns About Ryan Garcia’s Trolling Tactics, Requests To Stop Paying Attention Following KingRy’s Weird Clip With Cryptic Message