And they said you don’t get second chances. It seems Ryan Garcia just got his. After jumping ship to chase a fight with Rolando Romero, he is now back at the negotiation table with Devin Haney. The American boxer is ready to negotiate terms with his childhood rival and will eye a shot at Haney’s recently won WBC super lightweight championship. However, if Garcia’s camp fumbles the bag this time, the boxing gods may not smile for a third time.

Ever since ‘KingRy’ decided to move up to the 140-lb division after a defeat to Gervonta Davis, he was set on a collision course with ‘The Dream’. But no one knew when. Garcia sent the fans into a frenzy when he called out Haney after his victory against Regis Prograis on December 10, 2023, only to leave the champion hanging. While it seems things have fallen back in place, it might be Garcia’s last chance to bank on their history.

Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney: Picking it up from their amateur days

What moves the needle for the clash between Haney and Garcia? It’s not that it’s the typical slugger vs. defense guard bout. Neither is the stature of the two boxers. Rather, it’s their prolonged history and the timing of things.

Both Haney, at 31-0, and Garcia, at 24-1, are nearing their prime. While one is the champion, the other is the challenger. They have exchanged blows in the ring since the age of 7. With three wins each, they are placed on equal footing. They could finally settle the debate over a better boxer in the squared circle as they meet for the seventh time.

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Moreover, Haney and Garcia, both on the younger side, are currently competing to snatch the ‘face of boxing’ tag from Canelo Alvarez. Both are surging through stardom currently. While Haney is collecting belts for fun, Garcia has exhibited his desire to cling to the art of boxing despite a disheartening defeat. A clash between them right now will be the culmination of their careers’ high points. If they fail to meet next, neither the fans will be happy nor the stars will align in their favor.

Bringing legitimacy and recognition

Why is Garcia hellbent on a fight with Haney now? The California native is running short on high-quality opponents. WBA champion ‘Rolly’ Romero flirted with the idea of fighting him and capitalized on the hype generated for his next fight with Isaac Cruz. Meanwhile, Teofimo Lopez has expressed no interest in fighting him.

Similarly, a fight with Subriel Matias might be too risky right now to concede another defeat and Garcia can’t afford to add another loss to his record. Therefore, Garcia is left with only one option. Additionally, he is keen on the fans’ approval and becoming a champion after dislodging a legitimate champion.

Watch This Story: Teofimo Lopez Reveals Why He Declined The $1.5 Million Ryan Garcia Fight Offer

Garcia believes he could call himself a champion only if he defeats Haney. The latter had been the undisputed kingpin at 135 lbs, and swept a top fighter in Regis Prograis to become a champion at 140. If Garcia fails to bag the Haney fight, he will spiral down to B-list opponents. On the other hand, Haney also harbors dreams of a run at the 147-pound division. He might stay only in super lightweight for a fight or two if things become uninteresting. Therefore, the clock is ticking for Garcia, who also runs the risk of not getting recognition from traditional fans if he picks another opponent.

Failed negotiations: Not a good look on ‘KingRy’

What if, after screening through Haney, Rolly Romero, Jose Ramirez, and Isaac Cruz, Garcia still ends up with no opponent left in sight? That would be a debacle for his reputation. Further, would fans not blast Garcia for not being able to sign the deal with Haney even after being in negotiations twice?

In the future, too, the Haneys would avoid Garcia, and other elite fighters would follow suit. The fight with Haney would be shelved for no good, and the fans might only have Garcia to blame.

Read More: Dealing With Recent Divorce After Welcoming a Newborn, Ryan Garcia Sets Out to Hawaii for a Friends and Family Vacation Amidst Uncertainty Over First Fight of 2024

What do you make of the chances of Ryan Garcia accepting a fight with Devin Haney? Who do you think Garcia should fight next? Let us know in the comments below.