The Ryan Garcia next fight can absolutely by far be the biggest of his life and career if he wants it to be against Devin Haney in a rematch.
There’s a lot of talk about Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn of the UK at the moment online.
Don’t get us wrong that’s a solid little scrap but the Haney rematch is ten times a bigger fight not only in America but worldwide as well.
The Haney rematch is the one that fans and the entire sport want to see.
Here’s why it is a huge fight.
Ryan Garcia vs Devin Haney 2 – Fight Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Status | Rematch targeted/negotiated for October 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Bill Haney said mid-October in Riyadh. Venue also discussed: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas for Sep 5, 2026 |
| Path to Rematch | Both signed multi-fight deals with Riyadh Season. Plan: Separate fights on same May 2026 USA card, then winners meet in October rematch |
| Garcia Next Fight | May 2026 vs Rolando “Rolly” Romero at welterweight, Ring Magazine USA show |
| Haney Next Fight | May 2026 vs Jose Ramirez at welterweight, same card |
| First Fight Result | April 20, 2024, Barclays Center, Brooklyn. Garcia won by majority decision, 3 knockdowns. Later overturned to No-Contest after Garcia tested positive for Ostarine |
| Garcia Suspension | 1-year ban from NYSAC, fined $1.2M. Ban expired April 20, 2025 |
| Current Titles | Haney: WBO Welterweight Champion, The Ring No. 1 at 147. Garcia: WBC Welterweight Champion |
| Records | Garcia: 25-2, 20 KOs. Haney: 33-0, 15 KOs |
| Haney Last Fight | Nov 22, 2025 – Beat Brian Norman Jr by UD to win WBO title |
| Garcia Last Fight | May 2025 – Beat Rolando Romero by UD to win WBC interim title, later elevated |
| Age | Both 27 years old |
Why It’s Huge in America
| Factor | Fact |
|---|---|
| Unfinished Business | First fight ended in controversy: Garcia dominated but result overturned due to failed drug test. Haney: “I need that get back” |
| Bad Blood/History | 6 amateur fights split 3-3. Pro “game seven”. Personal animosity since April 2024 build-up |
| Stakes | Potential unification bout: WBO champ Haney vs WBC champ Garcia |
| Star Power | Garcia called “plus for boxing” due to popularity. First fight generated massive social media attention |
| Gate Potential | Allegiant Stadium targeted – 60,000+ capacity for Las Vegas stadium show |
| TV/PPV | First fight was DAZN PPV. Rematch expected to be major PPV with Riyadh Season backing |
Why It’s Huge Worldwide
| Factor | Fact |
|---|---|
| Global Investment | Backed by Turki Alalshikh & Riyadh Season, part of Saudi Arabia’s boxing push |
| Two Champions | Both hold welterweight world titles from major sanctioning bodies |
| Pound-for-Pound | Haney ranked No. 8 P4P by The Ring |
| Rivalry Narrative | Rolly Romero beat Garcia, Garcia beat Haney, Haney targeting Romero. “Round-robin” storyline noted by Oscar De La Hoya |
| International Venues | First fight: Brooklyn, NY. Rematch: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia planned or Las Vegas stadium |
| Crossover Reach | Garcia’s social media following + controversy + Haney’s undefeated record drives global clicks. First fight called “one of boxing’s biggest nights in recent years” |
Timing is everything though.
The time is perfect to make the fight as well with both boxers fresh off wins and world champions at welterweight as well.
Garcia just beat Mario Barrios and Haney just beat Brian Norman Jr.
There’s never been a better time to make the Ryan Garcia vs Devin Haney rematch than there is now.
Recently Garcia made some waves by saying US fighters have always been better than UK fighters.
