Brooklyn, New York – Ryan Garcia (25-1, 20 KOs) came up with an ingenious plan and executed it successfully. The strategy was to devise and orchestrate psychological warfare against Devin Haney (31-1, 15 KOs).
Ryan takes on a personality that could be considered a cross between Mike Tyson and Conor McGregor, and while it may seem strange or odd to many, he is still able to pull off a win.
From the first round, Garcia proved to be the stronger puncher, exploiting Haney's left side by throwing a left hook that shook Haney. It was Garcia's strength that helped him control the match and keep Haney at bay.
Haney's performance decreased significantly compared to previous matches, throwing only 214 punches in the 12-round match. He connected in what was possibly his lowest twelve-round output, connecting at a low connect rate of just 87 punches.
Garcia's output was higher than Haney's, landing 106 punches out of 285 thrown. Ryan scored three knockdowns in the process, leaving Haney injured and disoriented in the rounds he went through.
Ryan Garcia was awarded a majority decision, with the judges scoring it 112-112, 110-114, 109-115 in favor of Garcia. Haney won the early rounds but after being knocked down in the 7th round, he began to lose momentum and his ability to block Garcia's powerful shots.
Haney tried as hard as he could to try and overcome Garcia's firepower but would find himself countered with hard shots when he chose to engage. Garcia fooled those who believed he was not prepared or healthy enough to compete in a boxing match.
At the post-fight press conference, Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya announced that Ryan Garcia is now the face of boxing. If any fighter wants to make money, they will have to fight Ryan on his terms.
Ryan's star power only increased after this match and it made him one of the sport's hottest PPV figures. As for Haney, he could suffer the opposite effect, losing his prestige and invincibility. Haney did not attend the post-match press conference, deciding to forgo the event.
Garcia's victory now allows him to choose his next opponent. Who he faces is to be determined but he hinted at the possibility of moving up next, as he found it extremely difficult to get down to 140 pounds.
Said at the post-fight press conference that right now, the most he can get down to is 143 pounds, and it's been a struggle. He envisions a fight with Sebastian Fundora, one he sees won by knockout.
