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Devin Haney Pours Salt on Ryan Garcia’s Wounds: Is Garcia Running Scared or Playing a Bigger Game?

The world of boxing thrives on rivalries, drama, and legacy-defining showdowns. But few rivalries in recent years have generated as much heat as Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia.

What began as a promising matchup between two young, hungry prospects has turned into a full-blown war of words, with Haney relentlessly calling out Garcia.

In a recent explosive statement, Haney made his stance clear:

“He’s running scared! From a signed rematch to a cowardly U-turn, now he’s settling for Rolly Romero instead of facing me. He knows my fists would end him!”

The accusation is bold. Is Ryan Garcia avoiding Haney? Is he playing mind games, or is there something much bigger at play?

Let’s break down this intense rivalry, the behind-the-scenes drama, and whether Garcia is dodging Haney or setting up a much grander plan.

A Rivalry Years in the Making: Haney vs. Garcia’s History

From Friendly Competitors to Bitter Rivals

The origins of Haney vs. Garcia go back nearly a decade, to when both were teenage prospects fighting in the amateur ranks.

They clashed six times, splitting the fights 3-3. Even as teenagers, their styles were already clear:

Haney: A master technician, defensively sharp, calculated, and disciplined.
Garcia: A flashy, explosive knockout artist with lightning-fast hands.

At first, there was mutual respect. But as the years passed, the rivalry grew personal.

While Haney took the traditional championship route, Garcia became a social media sensation, amassing millions of followers before proving himself against elite competition.

For years, a professional fight between them seemed inevitable.

But something—or someone—always stopped it from happening.

In 2019, Garcia rejected a fight with Haney, claiming it wasn’t “worth his time.”
In 2021, negotiations collapsed due to promotional and contract issues.
In 2023, after Garcia lost to Gervonta “Tank” Davis, many assumed a Haney fight would finally happen—but it never did.

Now, in 2024, with both fighters competing at lightweight and super lightweight, it should be a no-brainer.

So why is Garcia fighting Rolly Romero instead of Haney?

Haney’s Fury: ‘He’s Settling for Rolly Because He Knows I’ll Destroy Him!’

The Fight That Almost Happened—And Why It Fell Apart

According to sources inside Haney’s camp, a rematch between Haney and Garcia was nearly signed earlier this year.

But then, out of nowhere, Garcia switched gears, choosing to fight Rolando “Rolly” Romero—a dangerous yet far less technical fighter.

Haney did not take it lightly.

“This guy talks big but runs from real fights.”
“We were set to fight, and then he turns around and takes Rolly instead?”
“He knows I’ll end him. That’s why he’s avoiding me.”

Haney has spent his career chasing greatness, seeking out the toughest competition, and cementing himself as one of the best in the world.

To him, Garcia’s decision to fight Rolly instead of him isn’t strategy—it’s fear.

But is that really the case?

Or is Garcia making a smart move that could set up something even bigger?

Ryan Garcia’s Master Plan: A Strategic Move or a Fearful Dodge?

Garcia’s Move to 140: A Smarter Path to a Superfight?

Ryan Garcia has never been one to avoid a big fight.

He took on Gervonta “Tank” Davis in 2023 despite the risks.
He has repeatedly called out top fighters like Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney.
He thrives on making headlines and proving doubters wrong.

So why is he choosing Rolly Romero instead of Devin Haney?

Some experts believe Garcia is playing a long-term game, carefully setting up an even bigger showdown.

Here’s the theory:

Winning a World Title First
- Rolly Romero holds the WBA Super Lightweight Championship.
- If Garcia wins, he becomes a champion at 140 pounds, making him a bigger attraction.
Turning Haney vs. Garcia into a Mega-Fight
- Instead of just a grudge match, the fight could be a championship showdown.
- The stakes—and the payday—would be even higher.
A Tune-Up Fight Before the Real Challenge
- Some believe Garcia isn’t fully ready for Haney yet.
- Facing Rolly first gives him time to adjust to 140 pounds before fighting Haney.

If this is Garcia’s plan, it’s actually a smart business move.

But to Haney? It still looks like an excuse.

Is Ryan Garcia Running Scared?

The Psychological Battle Between Haney and Garcia

Boxing isn’t just about fists—it’s about mind games. And right now, Haney is winning the psychological war.

By calling out Garcia publicly, he’s putting pressure on him.
If Garcia beats Rolly but still doesn’t fight Haney, his reputation will take a hit.
The more Garcia waits, the worse it looks.

On the flip side, Garcia is staying quiet—letting Haney talk while he focuses on winning.

Is this a sign of fear? Or just a strategic way of controlling the narrative?

Only time will tell.

What Happens Next? Will We Finally Get Haney vs. Garcia?

A Fight Boxing Desperately Needs

No matter how you look at it, boxing needs Haney vs. Garcia.

This is a fight with history, bad blood, and massive stakes.

If Garcia beats Rolly, he MUST fight Haney next.
If Haney wins his next fight, he will keep pressuring Garcia into a showdown.
If Garcia dodges Haney again, his reputation could take serious damage.

The fans won’t accept excuses anymore.

This fight needs to happen in late 2024 or early 2025.