Garcia's Comeback

On April 21 at Barclays Center in New York, USA, WBC world champion in the super lightweight division (up to 140 lbs), Devin Haney (31–1, 15 KOs), made his first title defense in a bout against American Ryan Garcia (25-1, 20 KOs).

The fight went the full 12 rounds and ended with Garcia winning by majority decision. The judges scored the fight 112-112, 115-109 (Garcia), and 114-110 (Garcia). During the fight, Haney was knocked down three times.

Fight Statistics

According to Compubox statistics, Haney landed 87 out of 214 (40.7%) power punches. Garcia’s count was 106 out of 285 (37.2%).

Devin connected with 42 of 85 jabs thrown (49.4%). His opponent landed 11 out of 54 (20.4%).

The bulk of Haney’s hits were power shots: 45 out of 129 (34.9%). Garcia’s power shots were 95 out of 231 (41.1%).

Judges' Notes

One ringside judge saw the match as a draw with a score of 112-112. Two other judges awarded the victory to Ryan Garcia, with one scoring it 7-4 in rounds for Ryan and another 8-4.

What's Next?

Despite the loss, Devin Haney remains the WBC champion, as Ryan did not make the weight limit and was not eligible for the title.

Both fighters expressed a desire for a rematch. Also, after the fight, Garcia stated that he would like to move up to middleweight (up to 154 lbs) and face the WBC and WBO champion in that division, Sebastian Fundora (21-1-1, 13 KOs).

Given the sold-out arena in New York, the huge upset (Garcia was a 6 to 1 underdog) and the interest from both sides in a rematch, a second showdown seems likely.