Bill Haney, father and trainer of former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney, recently opened up about the ongoing Ryan Garcia lawsuit, the potential for a rematch, and Devin’s highly anticipated return to the boxing ring in 2025.
After taking a well-deserved break, Devin is back in the gym, focusing on his training and preparing for his next fight. Bill shared that Devin has been working on his fitness, hitting the pads, running, and gearing up for sparring sessions. Devin, who has been out of the ring for a while, is set to return soon, and the Haney camp is eager to make announcements regarding his next fight. Bill emphasized that the return date depends on finding the right opponent and ensuring the bout aligns with Devin’s career goals.
Addressing the controversial Ryan Garcia encounter, Bill did not hold back when discussing the impact of the Ostarine scandal. Ostarine, a banned substance, was found in Garcia’s system following their fight, sparking an ongoing lawsuit from the Haney camp. While Ryan Garcia claims he used Ostarine for weight cutting and not for performance enhancement, Bill firmly disagreed. He argued that Ostarine provides a clear advantage by improving speed, recovery, and strength, which would have helped Garcia during the fight.
Bill expressed his frustration with the situation, noting that the Haneys were blindsided by Garcia’s use of PEDs, which he believes affected the outcome of the fight. Despite Garcia’s explanations, Bill’s stance remains firm: the substance gave Garcia an unfair edge. The lawsuit, according to Bill, is not just about Devin and his fight but about setting a precedent for clean competition in boxing.
When asked about the possibility of a rematch, Bill emphasized that Devin is open to facing anyone, but only on a level playing field. He stressed that his son has always been a clean fighter and expects the same from his opponents. The Haney camp has already offered Garcia the chance to enroll in VADA testing, but Garcia declined. Bill made it clear that if a rematch were to happen, it would need to be under strict drug testing conditions, ensuring fair competition for both fighters.
As for Devin’s training, Bill revealed they’ve brought in legendary trainer Nate Jones to strengthen Devin’s defense. After reviewing Devin’s performance in his previous fights, Bill recognized areas of improvement, particularly in blocking punches like Garcia’s left hook. With Nate’s expertise, the focus will be on tightening up Devin’s defense and eliminating any weaknesses moving forward.
Bill also reflected on the bigger picture in boxing, highlighting the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport. He slammed Ryan Garcia’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, for downplaying the significance of drug use in boxing. Bill firmly believes that drugs have no place in the sport and that anyone caught using them should face consequences.
In conclusion, Bill Haney made it clear that Devin’s return is imminent, but the team is determined to ensure it happens the right way. If a rematch with Ryan Garcia is in the cards, it will only happen under fair and clean conditions. Bill is committed to protecting Devin’s legacy and ensuring the future of boxing remains clean and competitive for generations to come.
