Ryan Garcia has announced a much-talked about fight with Devin Haney is now official, warning his rival that he will be “carried out” of the ring.
The long-time rivals fought six times as amateurs, winning three bouts each, and they are now set to meet as professionals in Las Vegas on April 20.
Haney’s WBC super-lightweight title will be on the line, after he picked up the belt in December by beating Regis Prograis in his first fight after moving up from 135lbs, where he held the undisputed crown.
Now 31-0 and a two-weight world champion, a fight with Garcia will continue a remarkable run for Haney, with two fights against George Kambosos Jr in Australia followed by a victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko and then the step up to take on Prograis.
This will be just the second time Garcia, 24-1 in the professional ranks, has fought since defeat to Gervonta Davis last April, after he beat Oscar Duarte on his return to the ring. It will be his first shot at a world title in his career.
While only four of Garcia’s 25 bouts have gone the distance, Haney’s last eight wins have come on points, setting up a fascinating clash of styles.
Garcia posted on social media: “Game 7 this one is for everything... it counts now Devin. This fight for me means everything.
“This is what I meant when I spoke on PBD [Patrick Bet-David’s] podcast. ‘I’m coming back for everything in Blood.’ I ask you guys to pray for Devin and his health. Pray his dad stops this fight.
“[Devin] will be needed to be carried out if this fight doesn’t get stopped at the appropriate time.”
