Former champion and founder of Golden Boy Promotions, Oscar De La Hoya, commented on the year-long suspension of his client Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) after failing a drug test taken before his fight against WBC super lightweight champion Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) on April 20. As a result, Ryan was banned from boxing for a year, fined $1.1 million, and the Garcia-Haney fight was declared a no-contest.
"First of all, I'm in no way justifying doping. But let's talk about inconsistencies, punishments, and millions of dollars. I don't understand it. We need a commission that oversees everything in every state because Canelo got caught in a different state and got six months. Shane Mosley got caught in another state – he got zero. So you're telling me Ryan Garcia gets a year? That's wrong. Let's talk about Devin Haney. Haney, you’re pathetic. You’re dancing because the decision about the fight with Ryan Garcia changed, but no one will forget how you got beaten up. You accused me of not paying you. Bro, you don’t sell fights. That’s the point. You can audit my company anytime. I pay every fighter. I’m pretty sure you got that idea from Canelo. So, bro, take a year off, retire – just enjoy it. And f*** off," said De La Hoya.
Recently, insider Steve Kim reported that Golden Boy expected to sell 600-700 thousand PPV buys for the Haney-Garcia fight, but ended up selling much less.
"Golden Boy expected to make a lot of money from this fight. But the reality is: a reliable source told me they sold less than 400 thousand. That’s why Devin and Ryan are complaining, 'Where’s our money?' The process of counting is ongoing. They will get paid – but not the amounts they hoped for," said Kim on The 3 Knockdown Rule YouTube channel.
Recall, before the fight, Ryan Garcia missed weight and was not eligible for the WBC title held by Haney. Garcia won, but failed a test taken before the fight – the banned substance Ostarine was found in his system. His B sample also tested positive. Haney's team demanded Garcia's suspension and the fight result annulment.
The World Boxing Council (WBC) announced that it had granted the request of WBC super lightweight world champion Devin Haney to be given "champion in recess" status.