Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia might need to run things back after their clash was declared a no-contest. Garcia initially won the fight, dropping Haney three times on his way to a majority decision. However, Garcia’s victory was overturned when he failed two VADA tests for Ostarine, resulting in a one-year ban. This decision removed the biggest win of Garcia’s career and set the stage for a potential rematch.

Supporters of Garcia argue that the amount of Ostarine in his system wasn’t enough to enhance his performance significantly. They believe Haney’s inability to adjust to Garcia’s repeated left hooks was the real issue. Despite being out of shape and gassing out between rounds, Garcia managed to dominate. This has led to questions about Haney’s skills and whether Garcia’s performance was genuinely PED-enhanced.

Should the Rematch Happen?

Haney remains the WBC Junior Welterweight Champion because Garcia failed to make the 140-pound limit. Despite this technicality, there are questions about Haney’s legitimacy as a champion, given he technically lost the fight. With the boxing world flooded with multiple titles, a rematch could help clear the air and establish who truly deserves the belt.

Garcia’s career and reputation are also at stake. Winning a rematch on an even playing field could silence critics and set up future big fights. Without a rematch, there will always be speculation about Garcia’s career and whether he used PEDs long-term. A rematch, especially one built up over a year of anticipation, would attract significant attention and financial rewards for both fighters.

Financially, both fighters have suffered. Garcia has had to pay Golden Boy Promotions $1.1 million from his purse and a $10,000 state fine. Haney, on the other hand, argues that his brand has been damaged and is seeking to sue Garcia for loss of earnings. A rematch would provide both fighters an opportunity to recover financially.

Boxing analysts have mixed opinions on the rematch. Paulie Malignaggi believes the rematch will happen, stating, “People want to see this fight: Did [Garcia] really win? Did [the banned substance] really affect him?” On the other hand, Chris Algieri is skeptical, citing enough pitfalls to prevent it. “It was a good fight. I’d like to see them weigh the same this time. But I’m telling you, we’re not going to see it,” Algieri stated.

In conclusion, a Haney vs. Garcia rematch is not just a fight; it’s a chance to settle scores, clear reputations, and make significant financial gains. With both fighters expressing interest and the boxing community divided, the anticipation for a rematch is palpable. Whether it happens or not, the narrative around their initial fight and its aftermath ensures it remains a topic of discussion.