Things got physical between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia days ahead of their highly anticipated title clash.
On Saturday, April 20, Haney will put his WBC super lightweight world title on the line against Garcia inside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. After trading a series of verbal jabs on social media and at a pre-fight press event, Haney upped the ante during a secluded face-off atop the Empire State Building on Tuesday.
Surrounded by members of the media, Haney and Garcia got in one another’s faces shouting insults and obscenities, bringing the situation to a boiling point. Going nose-to-nose, Haney violently shoved Garcia with both hands, prompting security to step in and prevent the incident from escalating further.
This is far from the first time that Davey Haney has put his hands on his opponent ahead of fight night. Before his 2023 clash with Vasyl Lomachenko, Haney did something similar and was subsequently pushed by the Nevada State Athletic Commission to the tune of $400,000. It remains to be seen if his antics in New York will prompt a similar result.
Ryan Garcia Allowed to Fight Despite Exhibiting Irrational Behavior on Social Media
In the weeks leading up to their epic encounter in the Big Apple, much of the focus has been on Ryan Garcia’s unusual and downright disturbing social media posts. Last month, the World Boxing Council worked directly with the New York State Athletic Commission to investigate Garcia’s behavior after multiple pundits called for the fight to be canceled.
Garcia successfully lobbied to keep the fight on the docket, insisting that he was in fighting condition despite having what could only be described as a complete and total mental breakdown.
No one cares kids are being eaten and im crazy???? Nah
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) April 14, 2024
For Garcia, the fight is perhaps the most important of his career. After suffering his first knockout loss against Gervonta Davis, ‘The Flash’ is in desperate need of a big win.
The victory could also set the stage for a unification clash with Isaac Cruz, the current WBA super lightweight champion.
