PLANS are reportedly in motion for a May mega card involving American rivals Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney in separate bouts. Just as the pair appeared on the verge of securing a return fixture, one year after their hugely controversial first fight, Salvador Rodriguez of ESPN has revealed an alternative proposal involving a quartet of top fighters.
Assuming both of the perceived A-sides get through, an exciting clash seems likely towards the end of the year or even next year, given the current fighting rate of top boxers. Ryan Garcia is still waiting for a ban to expire from his misdemeanours in the first Haney fight. He won on points but it was later changed to a no-contest.
Isaac Cruz already has business to attend to on February 1 when he takes on Angel Fierro over 10 rounds in Las Vegas. Last seen dropping a split decision to Jose Valenzuela, Cruz’s name still holds value given his all-action style and the rough ride he offered Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.
Haney, meanwhile, will be a strong favourite against former unified champion Jose Ramirez, who was systematically outboxed by Arnold Barboza on ‘Latino Night’ in Riyadh last November. Haney had been discussing a return bout on BLK Prime against Tevin Farmer but has been actively courting Turki Alalshikh’s attention.
If it comes to fruition, this proposed event in New York will coincide with the release of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves from SNK, a one-on-one computer fighting game.
Back to the real-life one-on-one fighting, and it will be interesting to see which weight class the proposed bouts will take place at. Haney has recently teased a move away from 140 pounds. Perhaps a catchweight could be worked out.
