Devin Haney appears unhappy. The Ryan Garcia scandal has seemingly taken a toll on the former lightweight undisputed champion. In an exclusive interview with Dan Rafael, he sounded dejected about the disciplinary actions upheld against Garcia by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC). The suspension and the financial penalties are insufficient, he deems. The whole affair, he feels, might have left its mark on his career as well. Hence, he mentioned on his legal team probing further legal action against ‘KingRy’.
But New York-based veteran boxing matchmaker Rick Glaser doesn’t seem too convinced. In a tweet, he raised a few questions about the practicality of Devin Haney’s purported lawsuit strategy. Especially for the fact that the light welterweight champion reportedly accepted money, some say $600,000, from ‘KingRy’, who had breached the weight limit. For his failure to clear the drug test conducted for the April 20 fight, Ryan Garcia has received a 1-year suspension. Other punitive measures include fines to be paid back to his promotions and the NYSAC. In parallel tweets, Haney also hinted at staying out of boxing for some time.
Considering the sustainability of Devin Haney’s supposed lawsuit against Ryan Garcia
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“Rumors abound that #DevinHaney plans on filing a lawsuit against #RyanGarcia, basically for lost market value & lost compensation because of it,” said Rick Glaser. Then the boxing insider expressed hope that Devin Haney would achieve the most favorable outcome from his current situation.
Rumors abound that #DevinHaney plans on filing a lawsuit against #RyanGarcia, basically for lost market value & lost compensation because of it. First off, I wish Devin the best result for himself. But I talked with two Attorneys about this particular situation. Both Attorneys…
— Rick Glaser (@RealRickGlaser1) June 22, 2024
However, it appears he got the latest development of ‘The Dream’ planning litigation step against ‘KingRy’, checked by a few legal experts he knew. So Glaser further added, “Both Attorneys said Haney took a financial settlement at the weight-in for the added weight. And it’ll be near impossible to win a lawsuit based on the result of an athletic contest of any type. There you have it.”
Needless to say, doubts persisted in the minds of a few followers. Take, for instance, a user who asked his brother, a lawyer, and said that Haney might have a case against Garcia. The lawsuit could be filed under ‘involuntary attempted manslaughter’ charges, the user pointed out. Yes, a judicial move could be initiated, said Rick Glaser. However, he explained that the winning part might be a bit challenging. “As the basis of it being within competition of a sporting event,” said Glaser.
Many fans would find the premise of Rick Glaser’s argument to be on solid ground. However, second thoughts continue over the amount exchanged for Ryan Garcia’s failure to make it to the weights during the final weigh-in.
A note on the weigh-in wager
Ryan Garcia not only forfeited his claim to Devin Haney’s title but also a significant amount when he weighed 143.2 lbs. during the final weigh-in. It was 3.2. pounds higher than the stipulated weight limit. He had a bet in place with Devin Haney. For every pound that he stacks, he would give ‘The Dream’ $500,000. So for 3.2 pounds, it should have been $1.5 million. However, subsequent reports revealed both parties settling for roughly $600,000.
From my #HaneyGarcia weigh-in story — the deal details. Sign up for my #boxing newsletter for the facts and real reporting at the address below. pic.twitter.com/MzQbYNwbEx
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) April 20, 2024
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In a separate post, Rick Glaser highlighted the financial loss Ryan Garcia would incur after the NYSAC verdict. In that, he mentioned, “1.5 million to #DevinHaney (Weight).“ So when one of the users commented, “I thought it was reported that the 1.5 million for weight was actually negotiated down to 600k?” the boxing matchmaker replied, “Not correct, I was there when he missed weight.”
Not correct, I was there when he missed weight.
— Rick Glaser (@RealRickGlaser1) June 21, 2024
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The coming days will reveal what Devin Haney has in mind as far as the case is concerned. However, for the fans, nothing short of a rematch between the two would help bring the smiles back on their faces. There’s hardly anything that equals two skilled fighters testing themselves in the ring under equitable conditions.
What’s your take on Rick Glaser’s message? Given the circumstances under which the fight proceeded, do you believe a lawsuit would hold its position?