Former WBC super lightweight champion Devin Haney is in boxing limbo with no potential opponent on the horizon. The 26-year-old is coming off a majority decision loss to career rival Ryan Garcia in April earlier this year. However, the result of the fight was overturned to a no contest when the banned substance Ostarine was found in Garcia’s system. 

Haney has since filed a lawsuit against Garcia, alleging battery, breach of contract, and fraud—the duo is expected to battle in court. Meanwhile, Devin’s father has been calling for a rematch between the two when Ryan Garcia’s suspension gets lifted in April 2025. Amid all this chaos, DAZN Boxing asked its followers a vital question. 

It seems to have attracted answers from boxers and even a journalist who was previously a judge at Miss Universe 2022. So, what did DAZN ask? “Who should Haney fight in 2025?”, the sports streaming giant wrote in an Instagram post. Canada’s Steve Claggett, who fought Teofimo Lopez in June earlier this year, threw his name into the mix. 

“I would love the opportunity,” Claggett wrote. Having suffered a unanimous decision loss to Lopez, the 35-year-old known as ‘The Dragon’ bounced back with a fourth-round knockout win over Eduardo Estela in October earlier this year. While the pair is in the same weight class, Haney may want a bigger name in the opposite corner to make his comeback a substantial one. 

Regardless, former IBF light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver also chimed in, suggesting that the opponent doesn’t matter—what does matter is that Haney makes his comeback. “Anybody… it’s just time to get back focus on the main goal…,” Tarver wrote. Meanwhile, Emily Austin, a journalist, social media influencer, model, actress, and independent NBA broadcaster, had this to say.

“Ryan Garcia,” she wrote. Interestingly, the wider fan base also wants the ‘KingRy’ rematch to go underway when his suspension gets lifted next year. However, whether that fight happens or not is currently up in the air. Meanwhile, Garcia’s promoter Oscar De La Hoya doesn’t seem too optimistic about the rematch. 

Oscar De La Hoya on a potential Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney rematch

During a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, the Golden Boy Promotions chief discussed the potential rematch between Haney and Garcia. Reflecting on Garcia’s performance in April, he suggested that a rematch might not be necessary. “Once Ryan gets back in action, once Ryan gets back in rhythm and maybe has a tune-up fight,” Oscar said. 

“Possibly in late April or maybe early May, then I want to throw him in there with the very best,” he added. As for the potential opponents, Oscar named Teofimo Lopez and Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis off the top of his head. Coming to a rematch with Devin Haney, the former world champion added, “The way Ryan Garcia handled Devin Haney, to me, personally, doesn’t call for a rematch.” However, he indicated that the animosity between them could potentially justify a rematch. 

That being said, despite fans clamoring for a Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia rematch, it seems unlikely for now. However, given the buzz their last encounter generated, the rematch could still be on the horizon. Who do you think Haney should face next?