BOXING
Ryan García trades barbs with Devin Haney
Both fighters are in talks to bypass mandatory challenger Sandor Martín for the WBC super lightweight title and it is getting more than a little heated.
Devin Haney (31-0-0, 15 KO) is looking for all the world as if he is determined to bypass the mandatory challenger for his WBC super lightweight title, continuing to pursue a fight with Ryan Garcia (24-1-0, 20 KO). The champ and his promoter Oscar de la Hoya are in negotiations, nominally with Spain’s Sandor Martín (42-3-0, 15 KO), the mandated challenger. But all the while, Haney seems determined to ramp up a duel with Ryan García on social media in what can only be interpreted as an attempt to force the WBC’s hand in allowing the sidestepping of their mandatory for a big-money deal.
García shared a picture on X, formerly known as Twitter, of himself and Floyd Mayweather, citing a statement by Mayweather where he referred to García as “one of the 3 biggest stars in boxing.” Haney shared a screenshot of the post, with a direct message to García saying, “Floyd can’t save or help you.”
García’s response was pointed. “Cry me a river,” in reference to the envy that Haney is supposed to be feeling over the close relationship that Mayweather enjoys with García.
After convincingly dismantling Regis Prograis to take the WBC belt, Haney named his preferred options for a first defense: Gervonta Davis (29-0-0, 27 KO), Teófimo López (19-1-0, 13 KO) and Ryan García.
It didn’t take long for García to accept the challenge and negotiations began between the two camps. García abandoned negotiations with Rolando Romero (15-1-0, 13 KO), saying, “I’m sorry Rollies you and your team work way to slow and you were way to indecisive. I didn’t know if you wanted to box or vacation. Devin Haney and I are in negotiations respect that. I’m not entertaining anything. Thanks.”
Haney assured García that he would see him soon. But the WBC have thrown a wrinkle into the works in naming Spaniard Sandor Martín (42-3-0, 15 KO) as their mandatory challenger.
Martín was the mandatory for Regis Prograis when WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán allowed Haney to jump the queue. The stipulation at that time was that the winner would have to face Martín next. It is highly unlikely that they will be willing to do that a second time. So Haney may have to make a decision. Fight Martín for the title, or fight García without it.