The intense rivalry between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney was on full display during the recent press conference leading up to the `Fatal Fury: City of Wolves` boxing event in Times Square. Although both fighters are scheduled to compete against different opponents on Friday – Garcia challenging Rolly Romero for the WBA welterweight title and Haney facing Jose Ramirez in the co-main event – the focus quickly shifted to their own ongoing animosity.
Garcia and Haney share a contentious history, including their bout last April, which Garcia initially won. However, the result was later changed to a No-Contest after Garcia failed to make weight and subsequently tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine. Following a settlement with the New York State Athletic Commission, Garcia received a one-year ban and a fine, with the win officially overturned. While Garcia maintains his innocence regarding the positive test, Haney publicly disagrees, suggesting their paths are set to cross again if they both emerge victorious on Friday.
The press conference, initially calm, ignited when Garcia was questioned about a prior confrontation with Devin`s father and trainer, Bill Haney, during Tuesday`s open workouts.
Garcia responded heatedly: “He was coming at my physique, but it’s all good. They were saying the same thing last time and they got their ass whooped last time, too! And you’ll get your ass whooped again!”
Haney was quick to fire back, referencing the drug test: “He got off that Ostarine, and he don’t even sound the same! His voice changed back. Your physique changed! You’ve got titties now! Those muscles gone, your voice is gone. This motherf*cker is gone!”
The exchange rapidly escalated from there.
Bill Haney interjected: “What the hell happened to Ryan Garcia? This is not the same Ryan Garcia, at all.”
Garcia retorted aggressively: “I’ve got multiple personalities, bitch! I’ve got multiple personalities, bitch! And you don’t want to see the crazy one! You don’t want to see the crazy personality, bitch! You and your son are some bitches. You a big bitch!”
The verbal warfare continued for several minutes, with both parties shouting over each other. The tension was so palpable that the crowd began chanting “shut the f*ck up” towards Bill Haney, reportedly prompted by Garcia.
As the Haneys pressed Garcia further on his failed drug test, the situation took an unexpected turn. Bill Haney and promoter Oscar de la Hoya, head of Golden Boy Promotions, nearly came to blows after Haney made comments directed at de la Hoya`s promotional company. Although the situation de-escalated and it seemed Haney`s remarks were not a direct insult, the Hall of Fame boxer de la Hoya nonetheless offered to settle their disagreement in the ring.
De la Hoya commented: “Everybody’s a great fighter here. There’s three main events, three great fights. Sit down, learn how to promote. We can have four if you want. Me and you!”
The fiery press conference underscored the deep-seated animosity between Garcia and Haney, fueling speculation about a potential rematch should they both triumph in their respective bouts on Friday.
