You tell me, what main event in recent history approaches the profile of the Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia fight, set for April 20 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn?
I’m sort of stumped, and need to Google, because these are two of the sports’ best known practitioners, in their athletic primes. Both men reached a higher level of prominence within the last year.
Haney is a skilled technician who is new school risk averse while Garcia is more the risk taker, in and out of the ring, who proudly sees himself as a throwback in that he wants the hardest challenges.
Here are some details for this truly much anticipated faceoff.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Feb. 23, 2023) – A dangerous rivalry that has been brewing since their days in the amateur boxing scene has finally hit a fever pitch as undefeated, former undisputed lightweight champion and current WBC Super Lightweight Champion Devin “The Dream” Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) will defend his title against international PPV star “King” Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs).
The 12-round fight is presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Haney Promotions, KingRy Promotions, and Matchroom Boxing.
The mega-event will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, April 20, exclusively live on DAZN PPV.
“Facing Ryan Garcia on April 20, 2024, is another step in my pursuit of greatness and cementing my legacy as one of the sport’s greatest champions,” said Devin Haney.
“I don’t need to say much. My track record speaks to my ability in the ring to overcome any challenge thrown my way, and rise to the top. I'm committed to giving the fans what they want – the best fights in boxing. I've proven time and again that I am a formidable opponent, and it's my skillset and the belief I have in my team that will ultimately lead me to victory. I’m happy Ryan’s team shares the same excitement in bringing the fans great boxing and we’re ready to bring you the best boxing event of the year in New York at Barclays Center.”
“I’m coming as if I was a roaring lion, coming back for blood,” said super lightweight world title contender Ryan Garcia. “I’m excited to bring another mega fight to boxing, that’s all I intend to do. I will place everything in the Lord’s hand. I pray that Devin comes out healthy and safe, and that everyone is entertained.”
“The Golden Boy mantra is the best fighting the best, and it’s hard to remember a better example of that than when Ryan Garcia and Devon Haney square off on April 20,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya.
“Championship gold, bragging rights over a long, intense rivalry and the status as the face of American boxing will all be on the line with no catchweight, rehydration clauses or other nonsense. This is a can’t miss fight that fans can’t afford to miss.”
“We are incredibly excited to be broadcasting this mega fight live on DAZN PPV,” said Jared Kass, SVP North America DAZN.
“Devin and Ryan are two next superstars of US boxing but only one can be crowned come final bell on April 20. This stacked night of boxing joins an already packed spring schedule which sees Anthony Joshua vs Francis Ngannou fight March 8, the Undisputed Heavyweight Title between Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk May 18 and countless domestic matchups all live and only on DAZN.”
Devin Haney, widely known as “The Dream,” is an undefeated and accomplished professional boxer with a perfect record of 31 wins and 0 losses who has taken the boxing world by storm. With his lightning-fast hands, exceptional boxing skills, and unyielding determination, Haney has emerged as one of the sport's most exciting and promising talents today.
The two-division champion left no doubt when he was elected Sports Illustrated 2023 ‘Fighter of the Year.’ In a remarkable feat, he has attained the title of the youngest undisputed world champion and the first undisputed lightweight world champion in the modern four-belt era by dethroning then-champion George Kambosos. Haney's subsequent defense of his undisputed world title, including a successful rematch against Kambosos and a notable victory over 3-division champion Vasiliy Lomachenko, further solidifies his place among boxing's elite. He was last seen in December 2023 when he dethroned Regis Prograis via unanimous decision win to become the new WBC Super Lightweight Champion.
“King” Ryan Garcia has become one of the biggest names in boxing, and at only 25-years-old has broken into the mainstream. Garcia has proven that he is a supreme, pay-per-view attraction, having generated one of the top 5 best boxing gates in Nevada boxing history.
One of the most dynamic and exciting boxers fighting today, his fast-paced style, killer left hook, and long roster of knockouts have impressed boxing fans for years, including his most recent dispatch of knockout artist and power puncher Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte last December 2023.
