Devin Haney Promotions has claimed a rematch with Ryan Garcia is being targeted for September 5 at Allegiant Stadium, potentially setting the stage for the rivalry to resume later this year.
The claim appeared on social media from Haney’s promotional side, pointing to a second meeting on the same Las Vegas card two weeks before the September 19 Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao rematch.
If the date holds, the bout would bring the two rivals back together more than two years after their chaotic first encounter in April 2024.
That fight saw Garcia score multiple knockdowns on his way to a decision win that was later overturned to a no contest after he tested positive for Ostarine.
Haney has since bounced back to claim the WBO welterweight title in a decision win over Brian Norman Jr.
Garcia vs. Haney II
Despite the controversy surrounding the original result, the demand for a rematch has never disappeared.
Few in boxing doubt Garcia vs. Haney II is the fight that makes the most sense next. Both fighters now hold world titles, turning the rivalry into a welterweight unification if the fight goes ahead.
The matchup has remained central to the division’s biggest conversations in recent months.
As World Boxing News reported earlier this month, the welterweight title picture has gradually tightened around Garcia and Haney as other options narrowed through mandatory obligations and injuries.
Garcia has also spoken openly about a possible fight with Shakur Stevenson, while Haney has been linked to talks involving Rolando “Rolly” Romero.
However, those moves can easily be viewed as smokescreens if both sides are focused on making the rematch.
Unfinished Business
Garcia, the WBC champion after beating Mario Barrios convincingly, would likely begin the rematch as the favorite despite the fallout from the first meeting.
The New York State Athletic Commission later changed the result to a no-contest following Garcia’s positive test, but the way he repeatedly dropped Haney in the fight still shapes how many see a second bout playing out.
Romero also offered a blunt assessment of the rivalry while speaking to The Last Stand Podcast with Brian Custer.
“They could fight a hundred times. Ryan knocks him out a hundred times.”
That view may be extreme, but it underlines the wider feeling that this rivalry still has not been settled.
With Haney Promotions now pointing to September 5 at Allegiant Stadium, Garcia vs. Haney II has moved back into focus as the fight that makes the most sense for both men right now.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.