DEVIN Haney and Ryan Garcia are likely to square off in a fiercely anticipated rematch later this year, with Turki Alalshikh expressing his interest in the possible matchup.
The pair collided in a controversial showdown last April, when Garcia, 24-1 (20 KOs), floored his rival three times before edging a majority decision.
But soon after, it was revealed that the social media star had tested positive for ostarine, a performance-enhancing substance, in a pre-fight Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) test.
The 26-year-old’s victory was then overturned to a no-contest, with the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) also handing him a year-long ban.
Since then, Haney, 31-0 (15 KOs), has filed a lawsuit against Garcia – alleging battery, fraud and unjust enrichment – while also expressing his desire to enter an immediate rematch.
The two Americans, however, are now set to appear on the same card in two separate contests, with Garcia facing Isaac Cruz and Haney taking on Jose Ramirez.
According to boxing power broker Alalshikh, the event will take place in May and, if both fighters emerge from their respective outings victorious, then their second encounter will be staged in October.
But still, Haney harbours doubts over whether Garcia will agree to undergo strict drug testing in the months leading up to their sequel.
“Ryan said he would sign up for drug testing,” ‘The Dream’ wrote on X. “He hasn’t signed up for VADA or USADA. That’s what’s holding everything up. Maybe he’s trying to get clean.”
At the beginning of this year, Haney signed up for VADA’s 24/7/365 program, meaning that he will be tested both in and out of competition.
Equally, the 26-year-old has insisted that his future opponents must sign up for a similar form of testing, while Garcia, on the other hand, continues to condemn the work of VADA, boxing’s flagship testing agency.
