Shock at Barclays: Ryan Garcia Upsets Devin Haney in Thrilling Clash
On May 20th, the ring revealed the truth as Ryan Garcia (25-1) pulled off a stunning upset over previously unbeaten Devin Haney (31-1) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Despite two months of odd behavior that had many questioning his mental state, the 25-year-old Garcia delivered a masterful performance, repeatedly unleashing a devastating left hook that Haney simply could not avoid.
“He caught me by surprise. I fell asleep on the left hook,” the former undisputed lightweight champion admitted.
Haney, a -800 betting favorite entering the fight, was left surprised and disappointed by Garcia’s showing. Garcia’s intimate knowledge of his opponent, having faced Haney six times as amateurs, proved crucial as he navigated a bizarre pre-fight buildup.
From missing the 140-pound weight limit by 3.2 pounds to inviting violinists to play in his locker room, Garcia kept everyone guessing. However, once the opening bell rang, the fast-handed power puncher from Victorville, California, emerged, stunning Haney with two massive left hands in the first round.
Haney found himself on unsteady legs, a state he hadn’t experienced since an 11th-round blow by Jorge Linares three years ago. Garcia then expertly managed the fight, luring Haney into a false sense of security before unleashing his power once more. The young contender scored three knockdowns, including a decisive 11th-round blow, securing a majority decision victory.
The win not only restored Garcia’s credibility but also his status as a legitimate contender in the lightweight division. Both fighters expressed interest in a rematch, but Haney will certainly be wary of Garcia’s ability to make weight, having missed the mark by a significant margin in this bout.
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