After social media shenanigans and press conference slanders, it’s time for trash-talk. But it’s Devin Haney who has taken the reins recently, and he has digressed to calling Ryan Garcia “fat.” He has raised the alarm about the challenger’s fitness levels and his commitment to their fight on April 20. But how much truth lies behind the WBC champion’s taunt? Is ‘KingRy’ really unfit to make the 140lbs weight?
Garcia, 25, had seized the headlines earlier for his social media antics, and it raised concerns about his mental health. However, that would become a constant theme, along with his training updates and sparring videos. It all started with him going through a drill alongside Deen the Great. However, ‘The Dream’ noticed that his opponent didn’t don a ripped physique close to the fight and declared, “Ryan still fat.”
Devin Haney’s accusations: ‘fat’ Ryan Garcia and his weight issues
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Garcia, at 24-1, didn’t support a typical six-pack chiseled physique 18 days before the fight. So, Haney, at 31-0, raised concerns about Garcia being overweight. However, Garcia would then post a couple of mirror selfies in a rebuttal to his rival’s claims. His outline of the jacked physique was apparent, and he also pointed out his history of not missing weight. The Victorville native also expressed his desire to not commit fault and asked Haney to “just be ready.”
Stop using your hands to push the fat down.. it’s history of you changing the weight days before.. https://t.co/95RCMpRI3C
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) April 2, 2024
But Haney didn’t give up and tried to expose Garcia’s attempts to pretend to be in shape. He asked him not to use his hands to push down the fat. He also suggested that Garcia had a history of changing his weight days before the fight. Notably, Garcia had to undergo a horrific weight cut against Gervonta Davis, and a rehydration clause didn’t help his case either. Thus, he had to pay with a loss ultimately.
Interestingly, Garcia’s last fight also came at a catchweight of 143 lbs against Oscar Duarte, as he seemed to have failed to meet the required 140-pound limit of super lightweight. Is his fight with Haney headed in a similar direction? Garcia has provided a glimmer of hope.
‘KingRy’ offers an alternative picture in Dallas
During his recent media workout in Dallas on April 9, Garcia confessed that he weighed around 146 pounds the day before. He also seemed devoted to the cause of making the weight. He announced, “I’m feeling good. I’m on track to make weight; I was at around 146 yesterday and we’re continuing to train hard like we always do.”
His comments came as a relief to the fans and a jibe at Haney. They also painted a rosy picture of their title fight that, amid speculations and rumors, Garcia remains focused on the fight. However, as Garcia walked around the ring, calling the champion out and predicting a knockout win for himself, he also flaunted a belly and a jelly face.
Ryan still fat.. Wallahi I knock him out 4/20! https://t.co/cwHzUDB23U
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) April 9, 2024
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Despite his efforts and vocal stern commitment promise, he failed to evoke faith in Haney, who again hit with a “Ryan still fat” remark. So where does it leave the fans? Are Garcia’s promises hollow, and has the super lightweight champion observed the situation aptly? Not necessarily.
Is there any truth behind ‘The Dream’s claim? Will Garcia make the weight?
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The speculations run hot but it seems they have been laid to rest by Garcia. He recently uploaded a video to put a stop to the doubts surrounding his weight. It looks like he is in the shape of his life and reassured the fans that he was on point to make the weight. He also showcased his ripped body and stressed that he was ready for the action at Barclays Center on April 20. So, he is en route to hitting the 140 lbs mark on the scales and doesn’t seem to have the fat, as hotly contested by Haney.
What do you make of this upcoming fight between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia? Do you believe Garcia will make the weight for the fight? Let us know in the comments below.