Devin Haney responds to rumours Ryan Garcia broke his jaw with health update and rematch demand
Devin Haney insists he is fit and ready to fight Ryan Garcia again.
The WBC super lightweight champion was dropped for the first time in his career en route to a majority decision loss to Garcia in New York on Saturday night.
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Haney showed tons of heart during his first pro lossCredit: GettyHaney was forced to pull himself off the floor three times after being knocked down in the seventh, tenth and eleventh rounds of their fight at the Barclays Center.
A viral photo showing Haney nursing a swollen cheekbone led to rumours that he had suffered a broken jaw during the first defeat of his 32-fight career.
Even Garcia posted about the theory, he tweeted: “Damn Devin has a broken Jaw Allegedly The name of the game I suppose What’s next?”
And Garcia’s trainer, Derrick James, thinks it will be tough for Haney to come back from.
READ MORE ON DEVIN HANEY“I think it would have been better for [Haney] to get knocked out [early] because it’s going to be hard to recover from getting beat up like that,” he said. Howevre, he’s backing him to recover, adding: “He’s a good fighter. He’ll be back. He’s still young. He can be hungry. He’s 25.
“The game plan was always about taking everything from [Haney]. Once I saw Ryan bring the jab and walk to him, he retreated and opened Haney up.”
However, Haney ended concerns about his health while calling for a rematch on X – formerly known as Twitter – a few hours after falling short against Garcia.
Haney wrote: “Alhamdulillah Allah is the perfect planner he makes no mistakes.
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“Fought like a true champion. Got up off the canvas & kept fighting. I am 100 per cent okay and would love to do it again while we both make weight.
“I have no broken anything btw way like I said I’m OK.
“Same way you dish be able to take it.. I will be back InshaAllah.”
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Many people, including Garcia, suggested he broke Haney’s jawCredit: dazn
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Haney assured everyone he’s fine and ready to do a rematchCredit: GettyDespite losing his perfect record, Haney still has his 140lb belt.
The green and gold strap was originally supposed to be on the line until Garcia ruled himself out of contention for the world title after missing weight by 3.2lbs on Friday.
Devin Haney shoves Ryan Garcia in heated first face-off before grudge fight
So, Haney retained his belt even though Garcia got the win.
Garcia said ‘No rematch’ straight after beating Haney and suggested that he will move up to the 147lb division, which is dominated by former undisputed champion Terence Crawford.
Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is the only other titleholder at welterweight after being promoted from IBF interim champion when Crawford was stripped by the organisation.
Read More on talkSPORTOnly time will tell if Garcia will follow through with his move up in weight or if he will fight Haney for an eighth time following their famous six-fight series as amateurs.
Garcia wants to sit on his 4-3 lead for the time being, but Haney will be doing everything he can to secure an immediate shot at redemption.
