Devin Haney doesn’t believe Ryan Garcia has improved much since their amateur fight

Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia are finally set to trade blows on the big stage. A matchup that has gone through many twists and turns and finally materialized, is now just days away. With this the two boxers explain how the fight has been going on for years.

For those who don’t know, it was previously revealed by Ryan Garcia that he will next fight Devin Haney. However, as Garcia said, Floyd Mayweather suggested he fight Rolly Romero instead, whom he considered a bigger draw than Devin Haney. In the end, Ryan left the decision up to his fans, who unanimously chose Haney as his next opponent.

In hindsight, the fight is a big opportunity for Garcia and even better considering what Pitbull Cruz recently put Romero through. Not only that, but Ryan stands to make a lot of money and a chance to win Haney’s WBC super lightweight title. Added to this is their decades-long rivalry that dates back to their amateur boxing days, resulting in the perfect boxing blockbuster matchup.

Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia talk about their amateur boxing days

For the most part, the Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia fight is more of an event than anything else. Seeing as they have grown as rivals, their matchup on the big stage will happen one way or the other. However, coming into this, some would suggest that Garcia, who is not a champion, is fighting based on his name rather than in-ring achievements.

In a recent interview with GQ Sports, the two boxers came face to face, which was recorded separately, as they weren’t too keen on being in the same room together. However, the conversation was put together to make it seem like the two athletes were talking to each other.

Speaking about how they first met, Devin Haney said, “We were about 9, maybe 10 (years old). We fought in the Junior Golden Gloves and Ryan had a lot more experience than me.” According to Ryan, the fight was ‘easy work’. “He (Devin) was a kid, he was just starting out, he didn’t have the experience I had. I beat him” However, over time, Devin started to get better and beat many others in the scene.

“I don’t think Ryan has gotten much better than the amateurs. Sure, he’s gotten bigger, sure, he’s gotten stronger but for the most part, his style is very similar. He has the same mistakes we made as kids.

Over the years, Haney and Garcia have fought on numerous occasions, and according to the WBC super lightweight champ, he was one of the few to defeat ‘Kingri’. Devin also boldly claims that Garcia hasn’t improved his style since his amateur days and continues to make the same mistakes he did back then.

Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia are heading into a rivalry fight

All things considered, Devin Haney has done well to continue his success from the amateur league and become a world champion, Ryan still has some work to do. As for Haney, he held world championships in two different weight cla*ses. Previously, the 25-year-old was the undisputed lightweight champion from 2022 to August 2023.

Currently, ‘The Dream’ holds the WBC Super Lightweight title, which he claimed after knocking out Regis Progress at 140 pounds. On the other hand, Ryan Garcia only holds the World Boxing Council (WBC) interim lightweight title in 2021. After a brutal loss at the hands of Gervanta Davis, Garcia made his comeback against Oscar Duarte. Now, he will be challenging for Haney’s title based on his name and the attention he can garner.

Since their amateur days, both boxers have probably come a long way. According to records, Devin and Ryan have faced each other on four separate occasions. Thus, their tie is set at 2-2, meaning that a score between the two will be settled. Coming down to it, Haney has to carry the burden of being a champion and undefeated, while Ryan has a single loss to his name and everything to gain from this fight.