A rematch between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney was once one of 2025`s most anticipated boxing events. This was especially true given the contentious circumstances of their initial 2024 clash, where Garcia secured a points victory after dropping Haney three times, only to have the result overturned to a no contest following a failed drug test.
Their fierce rivalry seemed destined to culminate in a major return bout. To heighten anticipation, a plan by Saudi Arabia`s General Entertainment Authority chairman, Turki Alalshikh, placed them in separate fights held in the unique setting of Times Square. However, this strategy backfired spectacularly, as both young stars delivered lackluster performances. Garcia suffered a surprising upset defeat to Rolando `Rolly` Romero, while Haney secured a dull, uneventful win against Jose Ramirez.
After the events of Friday night, the only person publicly calling for a Garcia-Haney rematch was Romero himself.
“I`m not even thinking about what`s next,” Romero stated after his unanimous decision win. “I think Devin and Ryan should get their rematch and make a big one.”
A “big one”? Not anymore, not after what transpired in New York City. Haney-Ramirez was a strong contender for the year`s worst fight, with their combined punch output ranking among the lowest in CompuBox history for a 12-round bout. But it was overshadowed later that evening by Garcia-Romero, which saw even fewer punches thrown. The air completely went out of the potential rematch, and a planned face-off between Haney and Garcia was cancelled after Romero`s upset victory.
So, what happens next?
Alalshikh could still attempt to schedule the rematch for later in the year, but given the dismal quality of their recent individual performances, it seems far more logical for Garcia and Haney to pursue different paths for a while and regain some momentum. An argument could be made that their rematch should have happened immediately on Friday without tune-up fights. But that opportunity is gone, and moving forward separately appears to be the best course of action.
Devin Haney, right, scored a unanimous decision against Jose Ramirez but failed to shine.
For Garcia, significant questions now surround his performance, which was a stark contrast to his showing against Haney the previous year. Did performance-enhancing substances truly make that much difference? A case could be argued, considering how uninspired and passive he appeared against Romero. He desperately needs to redeem himself in his next outing, and a move back down to the 140-pound division might also be beneficial. His next opponent is uncertain, but he requires someone like a hard-hitting Subriel Matias or Liam Paro, who is willing to engage and provide openings for his signature left hook. Garcia finds himself in a difficult position and must work hard to erase the negative impression left by this fight from the minds of fans.
Haney remains undefeated, but his reputation undoubtedly suffered due to his performance against Ramirez. Nevertheless, he is still a top-level boxer and could also consider returning to 140 pounds. A fight against Teofimo Lopez—who easily outpointed Arnold Barboza Jr. earlier on Friday—could be an interesting option. Alternatively, he might be matched against Romero. Despite not being exciting in his last fight, Haney possesses immense talent and is deserving of another significant bout.
Meanwhile, Lopez emerged from New York as the main beneficiary. His fight wasn`t thrilling, but that was largely due to his clinical dismantling of Barboza, not a lack of effort. He has numerous options ahead, though calling out IBF and WBA welterweight champion Jaron `Boots` Ennis immediately after his win might have been premature. Instead, defending his WBO 140-pound title seems more appropriate. If Haney doesn`t face Romero, that opportunity should potentially go to Lopez. Regardless of his next move, Lopez has successfully set himself apart from Garcia and Haney. All he needs now is a suitable opponent to help him climb back up the pound-for-pound rankings.
One thing is clear: Friday night`s boxing action highlighted more questions than it provided answers. Both Haney and Garcia need to take different paths and rebuild their momentum before a potential future clash.