Devin Haney has openly critiqued Ryan Garcia’s development as a boxer, stating that Garcia has not shown improvement since their amateur encounters. The two are set to face off on April 20 at the Barclays Center in New York, marking their first professional bout for Haney’s WBC super lightweight title. This fight continues their long-standing rivalry, which currently stands tied at three wins each from their amateur days.
Haney, 25, has seen significant success in his career, with notable victories in 2023, including a win over Vasyl Lomachenko and capturing the 140-pound title from Regis Prograis. Garcia, also 25, had a mixed year with a stoppage win against Oscar Duarte Jurado but suffered a defeat to Gervonta “Tank” Davis.
Speaking to DAZN, Haney expressed his belief that while Garcia was a formidable opponent in their youth, he himself has evolved considerably as a fighter, whereas Garcia has remained stagnant. Haney anticipates that this difference will be evident in their upcoming match, hinting at a potential stoppage by Garcia's corner due to his perceived lack of development.
Highlighting the significance of the April 20 bout, Haney sees it as a career-defining moment that will not only solidify his status in boxing but also distinguish him as the sport's new leading figure. He views their professional showdown as a culmination of their rivalry, aiming to demonstrate his superiority and his journey from a promising amateur to a distinguished professional.
Haney also touched upon Garcia's previous loss to Davis, suggesting a propensity to quit under pressure, a trait he believes will resurface in their fight. Garcia’s recent change in coaching, moving to Derrick James after parting ways with Joe Goossen, is seen by Haney as insufficient to alter the bout's outcome.
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