Promoter Oscar De La Hoya casts doubt on the possibility of a rematch between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney happening in 2025. De La Hoya believes that Haney is past his prime following his defeat to Garcia last April. The brutal nature of the fight raises questions about Haney’s ability to bounce back from such a loss, a challenge that De La Hoya thinks he may not overcome.
If Haney is indeed past his prime, it will become evident if he decides to step back into the ring to face an opponent. It would be wise for him to take a warm-up fight to assess his current condition. Engaging in a battle with one of the top welterweights immediately after his defeat to Ryan could be a risky move for Haney.
Although Haney has not disclosed the weight division he intends to compete in next, considering his size, shifting to welterweight could be beneficial. The struggle he faced against Ryan’s power shots in April might have been influenced by the significant amount of water weight he had to shed to meet the 140-lb limit.
Competing at 147 might offer Haney a smoother ride since he wouldn’t have to shed as much weight. While dropping from the 160s would still be a challenge, it wouldn’t be as drastic. Fighters who compete in lower weight classes than their natural body size may eventually struggle to cope with such drastic weight cuts.
De La Hoya’s skepticism about a potential rematch is partly fueled by Haney’s decision to sue Ryan. Additionally, Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) has not shown much eagerness to return to the ring following his defeat to Garcia.
Ryan recently expressed disinterest in facing Haney again, although a substantial offer in 2025 might change his mind. If a rematch with Haney proves to be the most financially rewarding option for Ryan, he is unlikely to turn it down.
Another lucrative bout could be a rematch with Gervonta Davis, but the likelihood of that happening appears slim. Davis tends to opt for easier opponents, and facing Ryan again at full strength in a catchweight above 140 lbs is probably not on his agenda.
“We have to deal with this frivolous lawsuit that they slapped on us, but that’s all it is, is noise,” said Oscar De La Hoya to the media regarding Devin Haney’s lawsuit against Ryan Garcia and Golden Boy. “That’s all it is. How can you sue somebody that beat the crap out of you? It just doesn’t make sense.
“What I would do is call that fighter out, get back in the ring, and beat his ass.”
“I don’t think so because I believe that Devin Haney is a shot fighter,” said De La Hoya when asked if there will be a rematch between Garcia and Haney.
