Ryan Garcia and Oscar De La Hoya have offered conflicting perspectives on a potential rematch with Devin Haney while a rumoured fight with Conor Benn becomes more likekly.
Garcia claimed his world welterweight title in February, dethroning Mario Barrios with a unanimous decision victory after scoring a first-round knockdown.
Since then, his name has been linked most closely with Benn, the WBC’s No.1 contender at 147lbs, whose last outing was fought at a catchweight of 150lbs against Regis Prograis.
In a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, Garcia confirmed this is the fight he wants.
“Devin Haney never wanted it. He don’t want the rematch at all … [I’m going to return in] August. I can’t wait. I only want Conor [Benn].”
In contrast to Garcia, Golden Boy promoter De La Hoya has told Fight Hype that he would “love” to make the rematch with Haney a priority.
“The one that interests me the most is the rematch with Devin Haney. That can be a blockbuster event.
“I would love to make that fight happen in Las Vegas at the Allegiant Stadium – that’s how big it can be.
“I believe that fight is the best fight to make right now.”
Garcia edged a majority decision against Haney in April 2024, only for the result to become a no-contest after he twice tested positive for banned substance Ostarine. It remains one of the most intriguing fights in boxing, particularly given the doubt over the first result and the fact that it is now a unification in the welterweight ranks.
However, Benn looks set to land his shot, despite recently signing with Zuffa Boxing, the sport’s newest major promotional company, whose frontman Dana White has no interest in working with the four traditional sanctioning bodies.