Photos of Devin Haney caught the public’s attention last Friday, not for an upcoming fight announcement, but for something much more unexpected: he filed a 12-page lawsuit against rival boxer Ryan Garcia. The lawsuit has sparked widespread chatter, taking their heated rivalry from the boxing ring to the courtroom.

Haney is seeking unspecified damages, accusing Garcia of battery for not honoring the agreed-upon terms, which Haney claims were intended to ensure a fair fight under the rules. This legal battle has caught the eye of many, including former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen, who has a reputation for chiming in on such high-profile sports drama. Let’s see what ‘The Bad Guy’ had to say.

Chael Sonnen isn’t impressed with the ongoing lawsuit between the boxers

In September, 26-year-old Devin Haney filed a lawsuit against fellow boxer Ryan Garcia following their controversial fight. During the bout, Haney took a knee three times, ultimately losing on the judges’ scorecards. However, allegations later surfaced regarding Garcia’s possible use of performance-enhancing d**gs, leading to a year-long suspension for ‘KingRy’ and the fight being officially overturned to a no-contest. Despite the reversal, Haney, who remains undefeated with a 31-0 record, claims that the damage done to his reputation and physical well-being was irreversible.

Haney’s lawsuit accuses Garcia of battery, fraud, and breach of contract, seeking compensation for the harm caused. A major point of contention in the lawsuit revolves around the weigh-in, where Garcia came in 3.2 pounds over the agreed weight limit. This forced Haney to accept a $1.5 million penalty for the fight to proceed. Haney took to his X account to shut down rumors about him attending court to file the lawsuit, stating, “I ain’t go to no damn court.. foh,” firmly denying the reports.

Meanwhile, UFC legend Chael Sonnen weighed in on the matter, offering his perspective. On his X account, Sonnen tweeted, “Laugh if you want but this is a fascinating testing of the laws/rules regarding State regulated sport. The government oversees 1 sport in the free world and its combat. Does that have standing of any measure? This has me on the edge of my seat.”

Fans will likely have to wait a bit longer for more clarity on the situation. One thing is certain, though—the lawsuit has added another layer of intrigue to the possibility of a rematch between Haney and Garcia. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Garcia pointed out the mindset with which he would be entering the fight.

Ryan Garcia promises a showdown in his rematch vs. Haney

Ryan Garcia recently discussed the potential rematch with Devin Haney in an interview with Ariel Helwani, acknowledging the ongoing lawsuit he’s facing. Despite the legal dispute, Garcia revealed that the situation has only fueled his motivation. “It’s a bit personal now. [Devin Haney] sued me… This is a real, legitimate lawsuit I’m dealing with,” Garcia said. He further added, “I think the rematch would be massive. If they believe I cheated, let’s do it again. This time, I’ll make it even worse for him.”

With a record of 24-1, Garcia is set to face Rukiya Anpo in an exhibition bout on December 30 in Tokyo, viewing it as a tune-up fight ahead of bigger challenges. Garcia’s suspension, stemming from allegations of PED use, will come to an end in April, and he’s already eyeing a major fight afterward. Could that be the long-awaited rematch with Haney?

While that remains uncertain, the outcome of the ongoing lawsuit could play a crucial role in determining if and when such a fight will happen. What do you think of the whole situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.