Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney clearly have a strong dislike for one another. Although they are competing in separate bouts this Friday at the Times Square event (Garcia against Rolly Romero for a title, and Haney facing Jose Ramirez), their intense exchange during Wednesday`s press conference completely stole the show, making it feel like *they* were the main event.
The history between Garcia and Haney is well-known. Garcia won their previous encounter last April, but the victory was later changed to a No-Contest after he failed a drug test for the banned substance Ostarine and also missed weight for the bout. This resulted in a one-year ban and a fine from the New York State Athletic Commission, although Garcia insists he is innocent in the matter. Haney disputes this, and a potential rematch appears highly likely, assuming both fighters win their respective matches on Friday. Their press conference antics certainly fueled speculation for a future clash.
The press conference began calmly enough, but tensions flared significantly when Garcia was questioned about an earlier confrontation with Devin Haney`s father, Bill Haney, at Tuesday`s open workouts.
Responding to the question, Garcia grew visibly angry, stating, “He was coming at my physique, but it’s all good. They were saying the same thing last time and they got their ass whooped last time, too! And you’ll get your ass whooped again!”
Haney quickly shot back, directly referencing Garcia`s failed drug test: “He got off that Ostarine, and he don’t even sound the same! His voice changed back. Your physique changed! You’ve got titties now! Those muscles gone, your voice is gone. This motherf*cker is gone!”
The exchange rapidly intensified from there.
Bill Haney joined in, commenting, “What the hell happened to Ryan Garcia? This is not the same Ryan Garcia, at all.”
Garcia roared back, “I’ve got multiple personalities, bitch! I’ve got multiple personalities, bitch! And you don’t want to see the crazy one! You don’t want to see the crazy personality, bitch! You and your son are some bitches. You a big bitch!”
This heated exchange continued for several minutes with both sides yelling over each other. The crowd also became involved, with some chanting “shut the f*ck up” directed at Bill Haney, after being prompted by Garcia.
The Haney camp kept pressing Garcia about his failed drug test. The situation then took an unexpected turn when Bill Haney made remarks seemingly critical of Oscar de la Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions, leading to a near physical altercation between Bill Haney and de la Hoya. While the tension eased and it seemed Haney`s comments weren`t truly meant as insults, the boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya still proposed settling the matter with a fight.
De la Hoya stated, “Everybody’s a great fighter here. There’s three main events, three great fights. Sit down, learn how to promote. We can have four if you want. Me and you!”
Wesley Dunham 
Marcus Blakely