Once And For All: Haney v Garcia Preview And Prediction

A rivalry dating back well over a decade will be settled in one of the biggest fights of the year when the undefeated Devin Haney defends his WBC super lightweight title against Ryan Garcia at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday night (Sunday morning SA time), writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

Devin Haney (1.11) v Ryan Garcia (6.25) (WBC Super Lightweight Championship)

4 AM Sunday SA time

They are two of the biggest stars in boxing, but their history dates back to their humble beginnings in the sport. The prodigious pair of pugilists faced off no less than six times in the amateurs with each man scoring three wins.

Now, at the peak of the professional fight business, the 25-year-olds face off one final time to find out once and for all who’s the better man.

Both men have enjoyed exceptional pro careers, however, it’s Haney who’s had the more success. He’s a perfect 31-0 with 15 knockouts and has already etched his name in boxing history twice over as the youngest undisputed world champion and the first undisputed lightweight world champion in the modern four-belt era.

After outpointing the legendary Vasiliy Lomachenko last May, Haney vacated his lightweight titles and moved up to challenge Regis Prograis for the WBC super lightweight title seven months later. “The Dream” put on a masterclass en route to a dominant decision victory to become a two-division world champion.

Garcia is one of boxing’s biggest mainstream stars and has a massive social media following. He held the WBC interim lightweight belt in 2021 but is still chasing his first official world title, a lifelong dream he’s looking to accomplish this weekend.

Whereas Haney is riding high, Garcia finds himself in a somewhat vulnerable position. He suffered the first loss of his professional career last April, getting stopped by Gervonta Davis in their catchweight super fight, which worsened his already-problematic relationship with promoter Oscar de la Hoya.

“King” was able to bounce back with a knockout win over Oscar Duarte in a super lightweight test run in December to take his record to 24-1 win 20 KOs, however, his erratic behaviour and alarming comments on social media have raised concerns about his mental health, something he’s struggled with in the past.

How he handles the franticness of fight week and all the obligations and stress that come with it represents a fight before the fight for Garcia, whereas the champion is headstrong and as composed and focused as can be. 

Inside the ropes, Haney is a masterful tactician with good power and even better all-around skills while Garcia is a high-octane fighter known for his extraordinary speed and vicious left hook.

Haney is sure to look to get off to a fast start. Garcia became a different fighter after he was knocked down by Davis in the second round and Haney will be determined to gain a similar edge by making him feel his power early. Conversely, Garcia needs to weather the storm and not get drawn into a fire-fight. Discipline and patience are paramount if he’s to pull off the upset.

In the end, Haney has beaten the tougher competition, has better boxing skills and a higher fight IQ and while a knockout isn’t out of the question, it’s more likely that he’ll retain the crown by decision.

Prediction: Haney by decision.

Best Bet: Haney by decision at 1.62.