Ryan García’s promise: what he will do if Devin Haney knocks him out in the first round?

Ryan García (24-1, 20-1 KOs) will face Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY tonight, April 20, for Haney’s WBC Super Lightweight title. However, García’s career could take a drastic turn if it all goes south on him.

During the press conference, García placed a bet with Haney that if he is knocked out in the first round, he will say goodbye to the ring and retire. García has only suffered one defeat during his career, against Gervonta Davis in April 2023, when he was knocked in the seventh round.

First Round KO challenge

“Ryan, if you get knocked out in the first round, will you retire?” Haney’s father asked. To which Garcia responded, “You have my word.” A handshake with Haney then solemnified the deal.

King Ry’s background in amateur boxing

At only 25 years old, ‘King Ry’ has potentially a long career ahead of him in the ring, and what really shines through is his experience. He debuted as an amateur boxer in 2008 at the Desert Showdown World Amateur Championships in Coachella, when García was only ten years old.

Garcia and Haney met four times in the amateurs, with a 2-2 record. The first time they met was in 2012 and García won after three rounds.

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Their second meeting was in the finals of the 2014 Junior National Championship when Haney won by unanimous decision. That same year they met again in the semifinal of the National Olympic Championship and García was the winner by split decision.

The quarterfinals of the 2015 National Youth Championship were the last time that Haney and García faced each other and Haney triumphed by unanimous decision.