Devin Haney was once viewed as one of the brightest stars in boxing. An undefeated two-weight world champion, the young fighter seemed to have it all: skill, charisma, and a perfect record. By the start of 2024, Haney was riding high, poised to continue his reign and solidify his place among boxing’s elite. But then, everything came crashing down in a shocking series of events that have left fans and analysts questioning what’s going on with the fighter from Oakland.

 

 

In April 2024, Haney suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of rising star Ryan Garcia, and it was a loss that would send ripples through the boxing world. But it wasn’t just the beating itself that left Haney in turmoil—it’s the aftermath that has everyone asking: What’s happening to Devin Haney?

 

The Humiliating Defeat

On April 20th, Haney faced off against Ryan Garcia in what was expected to be an easy title defense. On paper, Haney had every advantage: he was the reigning champion, undefeated, and coming off a dominant win at 140 pounds. Garcia, by contrast, had recently been knocked out by Gervonta Davis, and many experts predicted he’d be an easy target for Haney.

 

But in a stunning turn of events, Haney was outclassed. Garcia dropped Haney three times during the fight, and although Haney showed heart and grit, he was unable to recover. The defeat was not just a blow to his ego—it was a humbling experience, one that left many questioning Haney’s place in the sport.

 

What followed next was even more shocking. While the boxing world was still reeling from Haney’s unexpected loss, it was revealed that Garcia had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), specifically ostarine, a substance that is banned in the sport.

 

 

The PED Scandal

The news of Garcia’s failed drug test rocked the world of boxing. Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), a substance known for its ability to enhance muscle gain, improve endurance, and aid in weight cutting. It’s a performance-enhancing drug that can provide an unfair advantage, especially in a sport as brutal and unforgiving as boxing.

 

Garcia claimed he had taken a tainted supplement, unknowingly ingesting the banned substance. He didn’t deny taking the supplement, but argued that it wasn’t intentional. Despite this, Haney and many others in the boxing community felt betrayed.

 

For Haney, the situation was more than just a failed drug test—it was a matter of life and death. “This is a dangerous sport,” Haney said in interviews after the news broke. “We put our lives on the line every time we step into that ring, and if someone’s using PEDs, they’re putting my life in danger. I could have been seriously hurt that night.”

 

 

Haney’s Breakdown

But it wasn’t just the physical toll of the loss that seemed to affect Haney—it’s how he’s handled the entire situation in the months since. Haney has gone from the humble, calculated champion to someone who appears increasingly paranoid, bitter, and vengeful. His mind seems to be unraveling, and he has made some moves that leave many questioning his mental state.

 

Instead of focusing on his next fight, Haney has focused heavily on legal action against Ryan Garcia. In late September 2024, Haney and his team filed a lawsuit against Garcia and his promoter, Golden Boy Promotions. The lawsuit claims that Garcia’s use of PEDs constituted fraud, battery, and breach of contract. Haney asserts that the fight was supposed to be a clean, fair contest and that Garcia’s actions tainted the integrity of the sport.

 

“I signed a contract for a fair fight,” Haney said, visibly angered. “I trusted that Garcia would come in clean, and he didn’t. He cheated, and now he has to pay for it.”

 

This legal action is unprecedented in boxing, and while Haney may have a point about the importance of maintaining fairness and integrity in the sport, his obsession with the lawsuit seems to be consuming him. He has expressed no desire to move on from the loss, and his bitter fixation on Garcia has only intensified.

 

 

A Mental Breakdown?

Many in the boxing community have been stunned by Haney’s reaction. The lawsuit, his angry tirades, and his continued focus on the loss to Garcia have raised questions about his mental state. Has the defeat broken him? Is Haney now obsessed with seeking revenge and validation, to the point of losing his sense of reason?

 

In interviews, Haney’s tone has become increasingly erratic. He’s made bizarre statements about his upcoming future in the sport, calling for stricter penalties for PED users, and claiming that he’s “fighting for the integrity of boxing.” At times, he sounds more like someone seeking personal vindication than a champion looking to regain his position.

 

“I’m not just fighting for myself. I’m fighting for every fighter who’s ever been cheated in the ring,” Haney said. “Ryan Garcia can’t get away with this. He tried to kill me in that ring, and now he’s going to pay for it.”

 

These comments have not only baffled fans but have led some to question if Haney’s defeat has left him mentally shaken. His obsession with Garcia’s PED use and his anger at the situation have overshadowed his own career, and many are wondering if he will ever be able to move on from the loss.

 

 

The Bigger Picture: Boxing’s Response

The lawsuit itself has divided opinions. Some boxing insiders, like veteran trainers and analysts, argue that Haney has every right to pursue legal action. They point out that PEDs can be incredibly dangerous, and if Garcia truly cheated, then he should be held accountable. They also argue that the current penalties for PED use in boxing aren’t enough and that more severe consequences, like financial damages, could serve as a deterrent for future cheaters.

 

Others, however, feel that Haney’s response is excessive. “He’s losing his mind,” one veteran boxing journalist remarked. “Fighters have been getting beat up in the ring for centuries. You don’t sue someone because you lost a fight. You move on and get better. He’s letting this defeat consume him.”

 

One thing is clear: Haney’s focus on the lawsuit and his vendetta against Garcia have overshadowed any chance of him moving forward in his career. His mental state, and his ability to bounce back from this debacle, are now under serious scrutiny.

 

 

Conclusion: What’s Next for Haney?

As it stands, Devin Haney is in a fragile place. The loss to Garcia, the PED scandal, and his subsequent obsession with legal action have taken a toll on his mental and emotional well-being. Whether he can come back from this setback and regain his former position as a dominant force in boxing is uncertain. What’s even more unclear is whether Haney will ever be able to move on from the psychological toll of the defeat. Will he find peace, or will this lawsuit continue to unravel him, both inside and outside the ring?

 

One thing is for sure: Devin Haney is no longer the calm, collected champion he once was. He’s now a fighter caught in a storm of anger, frustration, and confusion—and it’s unclear whether he’ll be able to find his way back.