By: Rigo Ferreira
Ryan Garcia’s (21-0, 18 KOs) hard-fought victory over Luke Campbell (20-4, 16 KOs) has elevated him to become the mandatory challenger to Devin Haney’s (25-0, 15 KOs) WBC lightweight title. While many hardcore boxing fans may believe that Haney would be too skillful for Garcia, Haney has yet to face any foe with the caliber of Campbell. Haney last fought in November where he decisioned an over the hill 39-year-old Yuriokis Gamboa.
After Garcia’s KO win over Campbell, Haney was seen in the audience, possibly scouting the development of his lightweight counterpart. Garcia acknowledged Haney during the post-fight interview and involved the crowd by asking them who they’d want him to face next. With the crowd chanting “We want Tank”, in reference to Gervonta Davis (24-0, 23 KOs), Garcia showed a willingness to face either Davis or Haney.
This much-anticipated matchup dates back to the amateur ranks where Haney and Garcia battled six times to an even 3-3 split. While neither man has yet to establish himself as the best of the lightweight division, a bout between these two would surely solidify who is the better boxer and who is better equipped to challenge the likes of Gervonta Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) and unified lightweight champ Teofimo Lopez (16-0, 12 KOs).
