Photo Credit: File Photo
Ryan Garcia proved himself amidst his own battles, taking the win against the undefeated champion. Leading up to the fight, Garcia was embroiled in a publicized feud with his former coach, adding to the pre-fight drama. This internal turmoil was juxtaposed with the external challenge of facing an undefeated champion in Devin Haney. The odds were stacked against Garcia, not only because of his previous defeat to Gervonta 'Tank' Davis but also due to the mental and strategic battles he had to overcome.
Before the fight, Garcia's confidence was palpable. "It's going to be quick, and I'm going to break his jaw," he declared. This bold prediction set the stage for an encounter that would captivate boxing fans worldwide.
In the beginning it was clear that Ryan had the upper hand, and this match proved that his chess tactics were superior. Garcia's physical advantages were clear from the outset. Standing at 5 ft 10 with a reach of 70 inches, he towered over Haney, who stands at 5 ft 8 with a 71-inch reach. Despite the slight reach disadvantage, Garcia's height and fast striking power were significant factors in the fight.
The match unfolded with Garcia showcasing his renowned speed and agility. His punches were precise, and his movement around the ring was fluid, leaving Haney struggling to keep up. Garcia's strategy was evident – he leveraged his height and reach to maintain a distance that allowed him to strike effectively while minimizing Haney's offensive opportunities.
Interestingly, Garcia had a higher weight than Haney, coming in at 143.2 pounds compared to Haney's 140 pounds. This weight difference did not translate to a sluggish performance; instead, Garcia used it to his advantage, delivering powerful blows that eventually led to Haney's downfall.
After the fight, Garcia's post-fight interview was a mixture of jubilation and reflection. "Come on guys, you really thought I was crazy?" he exclaimed, addressing the crowd and critics alike. His performance was a clear message to the boxing world – he was back, and more formidable than ever.
The Victory Without the Title?
Despite his win, Garcia did not claim the title due to his weight at the weigh-in. However, this technicality did not diminish the significance of his victory. Garcia had proven that he could overcome adversity and emerge stronger. This fight left the belt without a defender as devin lost the custody.
