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via Imago

via Imago

Ryan Garcia seems to be stuck in limbo in terms of his future in the sport since his B-Sample also tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug Ostarine during the Devin Haney fight last month. However, the whole controversy seems to have roped in ‘The Dream’ as well, highlighting his rehydration during the Regis Prograis fight last year. 

See, the thing is, Devin Haney has always been a weight bully, who rehydrated to a higher weight after final weigh-ins. So, as Ryan Garcia’s PED situation made headlines, fans including Regis Prograis alleged Haney cheated by rehydrating to a higher weight. However, is that really true? Are there any rules in place that prevent a fighter from rehydrating? YouTuber and analyst ShowBizz Adult sheds light on the situation. 

California State Athletic Commission has voted to pass the rule

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In an interview with Mill City Boxing, Regis Prograis revealed he had learned about Haney’s rehydration after their fight and let it go because nothing would have come out of it. Prograis added, “I ain’t gonna lie, all that sounds good [getting the back due to a technicality] but how likely is that to come true? Alright, it’s a state law… but when did that happen before?

This seems to have riled up the fans, who aren’t actually that fond of Devin Haney. So, ShowBizz Adult saw it fit to bring the truth to light! In a clip he shared on X today, the YouTuber said, “The California State Athletic Commission has taken a major measure in attempting to combat extreme weight cutting. Voted to pass a rule that would cancel a fight. They said that they voted to pass the rule.”

However, the YouTuber raised questions about whether the rule was actually executed and implemented in the sport of boxing. Referring to California State Athletic Commission rules and guidelines, ShowBizz Adult claimed, “There’s nothing in here about 15% rehydration. NO!”  Yet, according to an October 2019 report from ESPN, the rule was passed by a vote of 5-0 during a meeting at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel.

It basically could cancel the fight if a fighter comes in with more than 15% of weight compared to their final weigh-ins. According to sources, Haney came into the Regis Prograis fight 18% heavier, and a cancellation of the fight could have been warranted. This regulation serves a specific purpose: discouraging fighters from engaging in extreme dehydration tactics to meet weight requirements, only to rapidly regain the lost weight before the competition.

Meanwhile, this situation seems to have culminated into a spat between Devin and Prograis on social media. 

Devin Haney and Regis Prograis: Round 2 outside the ring

After Regis’ interview went live on May 22, Haney found the conversation on May 24 as he drafted a spicy tweet in response. The former undisputed lightweight champion wrote, “Regis is a b**ch.. He didn’t hit me once for 12 rounds. This ain’t have shit to do with weight stfu chump.” And, of course, scorned by his defeat and the loss of his belt, Prograis quickly responded. 

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“I’m a b**ch but you taking loses off your record. Ryan had you face down a** up. Run it back and I promise I’ll stop you. And leave the PED’s home,” wrote Prograis. To this, Devin again responded, “U a b**ch cause u talking bout what the next ni**a DID.. what bout what I did too u! U must forgot go watch the fight please,”

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The duo went toe-to-toe back in December 2023, a fight which saw Devin Haney absolutely dominate Prograis. It was so bad that it had set records for the least amount of punches thrown during a fight. Haney gained quite the popularity boost from this fight, but come April, Ryan Garcia put a dent on Haney’s perfect record. 

In a nutshell, different reports are conveying different stories about the rehydration rules in the sport right now. While ShowBizz Adult highlighted that voting was done to pass the rule, he failed to mention that it indeed was passed. So, technically, Regis Prograis could take Devin Haney to trial, but since their fight happened last year, it’s unclear whether the case would stand. What do you think about the situation?