Devin Haney has weighed in on Ryan Garcia vs Floyd Mayweather after Garcia claimed that the fight is on for next year.
Garcia’s win over Haney in 2023 was overturned to a no contest when it was discovered to have tested positive for a banned substance.
Returning after a year’s suspension, Garcia lost to Rolando Romero in his first welterweight bout, but bounced back significantly when he beat Mario Barrios for the WBC belt earlier this year. Add in a quick KO victory over Conor Benn for his first defence, and Garcia’s star power has never been higher.
With a unification against Teofimo Lopez now in serious doubt, Garcia claims he will be bringing US boxing icon Mayweather out of retirement for a February 2027 fight.
Haney, who is angling for a rematch with Garcia, told Inside the Ring that he believes Mayweather could win even at 49, but that he ultimately doesn’t think the fight will happen.
“That’s a good question. It’s hard for me. Can it really happen? Will it really happen? I don’t know.
“I think he can win, but will it happen? I don’t think it will.”
Haney added that, if Mayweather took the fight and won, he would happily face him to become the undisputed welterweight world champion.
If the fight happens, and depending on the timeline, Mayweather could potentially become the oldest world champion in boxing history with a win, trumping Bernard Hopkins’ record. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has already stated that, pending a license and clear medicals, the fight would be sanctioned for Garcia’s title.
What has Mayweather said?
Mayweather has been less bullish on the fight taking place, though he has included Garcia on a list of potential big bouts for 2027. He also mentioned rematches with Manny Pacquiao – which was previously announced but fell apart due to legal issues – Conor McGregor, and Oscar De La Hoya.
He first looks set to compete in an exhibition against Australia’s Matt Floyd, which has been announced for December 19 in Bangkok, Thailand. Despite the 49-year-old’s claims of a professional return, some fans and analysts remain sceptical that it will happen.
