Devin Haney Files Lawsuit Against Ryan Garcia Over Controversial Bout

In a dramatic legal twist, Devin Haney has filed a lawsuit against Ryan Garcia, alleging battery, fraud, and unjust enrichment, following their controversial fight earlier this year. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, seeks punitive damages from Garcia and his promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, with Haney demanding a full review and adjustment of accounting related to the fight, which was ultimately ruled a no-contest.

Haney’s Legal Action Stems from Garcia’s Doping Allegations

The April 20 bout between Haney, the WBC 140-pound champion, and Garcia was initially a stunning victory for Garcia, who knocked Haney down three times en route to a decision victory. However, things took a sharp turn when the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) and the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) revealed that Garcia had tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine, a performance-enhancing drug. As a result, Garcia’s victory was overturned, the fight declared a no-contest, and Garcia was handed a year-long suspension alongside fines.

According to the lawsuit, Haney’s attorney, Pat English, detailed the damage done to Haney’s career due to Garcia’s actions, stating, “Devin Haney suffered damages in that he suffered physical injury, reputational damage which will amount to millions of dollars, and emotional and mental distress.”

Haney and His Team Stand Firm Against Garcia’s Actions

Haney, known for his professionalism in the sport, is adamant about the need for accountability. His father and trainer, Bill Haney, was vocal about the damage Garcia’s behaviour caused, stating, “Devin is the face of boxing because he has challenged the franchise in many ways – by working with multiple promoters, by crossing the sides of the street (among broadcasters), and now he’s challenging PED use. This is all for the good of the sport.”

The lawsuit further claims that Garcia’s erratic behaviour in the lead-up to the fight was a warning sign. Haney’s legal team pointed to several unusual incidents, including Garcia’s social media rants and his failure to make weight by over 3.5 pounds. Moreover, footage showing Garcia receiving an intravenous fluid with a “yellowish tinge” before the fight has been submitted as evidence.

Allegations of Fraud and Breach of Contract

The lawsuit also accuses Garcia of fraud, citing signed documents where he swore he had not used performance-enhancing drugs. “At no time did Devin Haney consent to engage in a bout against a boxer who was positive for a performance-enhancing drug,” the legal filing states. Haney’s legal team asserts that Garcia’s actions breached the terms of the fight agreement, and that the NYSAC would not have sanctioned the bout had they known about Garcia’s doping or the IV use.

Haney’s claim of fraud also extends to Garcia’s failure to make weight, a critical aspect of the title fight contract. With Garcia missing the weight limit by a significant margin, Haney argues that Garcia should not have been allowed to compete for the belt.

Financial Implications and Rematch Talks

In addition to the accusations of battery and fraud, the lawsuit demands that Garcia’s purse and pay-per-view earnings be returned. Haney’s legal team argues that Garcia “does not deserve to keep his purse and pay-per-view cut” given the circumstances surrounding the fight. The filing goes on to state, “By virtue of his actions, Ryan Garcia was enriched, at the expense of Devin Haney, to the tune of millions of dollars.”

Moreover, Haney’s lawsuit extends to Golden Boy Promotions, claiming they owe Haney 47% of the profits from the bout, based on a June 20 NYSAC consent order. The lawsuit alleges that Golden Boy has refused to share the forfeited earnings, further complicating the financial aspect of the case.

Despite the ongoing legal battle, Bill Haney revealed that his son remains open to a rematch with Garcia, provided the terms are fair and that Garcia undergoes stringent drug testing. “Devin will still accept a rematch against Garcia as long as the purse money is acceptable and that Garcia is held to the most stringent of drug-testing screening,” Bill Haney said.

As the legal case unfolds, the boxing world waits to see how this situation will impact the future of two of its brightest stars. What is clear, however, is that Haney’s determination to seek justice has sparked a debate that reaches beyond the ropes and into the broader issues of integrity and fairness in the sport