Devin Haney, once viewed as one of the brightest stars in boxing, is now at the center of a storm of controversy and legal battles that have left fans questioning his mental state and future in the sport. At the start of 2024, Haney was on top of the world, an undefeated two-weight world champion with a growing reputation as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. But that all changed after his shocking loss to Ryan Garcia, a defeat that would mark the beginning of Haney’s downward spiral both inside and outside the ring.

From Undefeated Champion to Devastating Defeat

Haney’s 2024 campaign started on a high note, with an impressive move up in weight to claim the WBC title at 140 pounds. He was seen as an untouchable force, a champion with an unblemished record and an ever-growing fanbase. His fight against Ryan Garcia, which should have been a mere formality, was expected to cement his legacy. After all, Haney was the undefeated champion, while Garcia had just been knocked out by Gervonta “Tank” Davis, making the matchup seem like a routine victory for Haney.

But things did not go according to plan. Despite being the heavy favorite, Haney was thoroughly outclassed by Garcia on fight night. Garcia dropped him three times in a humiliating defeat, leaving Haney stunned and fans shocked. What was even more surprising was that this wasn’t just a case of losing a fight—it was a devastating blow to Haney’s pride and his reputation.

The Fallout: Ryan Garcia’s Failed Drug Test

As if the loss itself wasn’t enough, Haney’s already bruised ego took another hit when it was revealed that Garcia had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) following the fight. Garcia failed a VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association) test for ostarine, a banned substance often used in combat sports to improve muscle mass and enhance performance.

Garcia’s camp initially claimed that the positive test was due to a tainted supplement, but that explanation did little to calm Haney’s fury. Haney felt that Garcia’s use of PEDs had not only compromised the integrity of the fight but had also put his health and safety in jeopardy. For Haney, this was no longer just about losing a fight—it was about the very ethics of boxing being undermined.

The Legal Battle: Haney Takes Garcia to Court

Angered by the injustice, Haney made a bold move in late 2024—he filed a lawsuit against Ryan Garcia and his promoter, Golden Boy Promotions. Haney claimed that the fight was supposed to be a fair contest, with both fighters agreeing to undergo drug testing, but Garcia’s failure to comply with that agreement had ruined everything. Haney’s legal action accused Garcia of fraud, breach of contract, and battery, demanding damages for the harm caused to his reputation, his career, and his physical well-being.

This legal action was seen by many as a desperate attempt by Haney to regain control of a situation that had spiraled out of his hands. He has been vocal in his belief that Garcia’s PED use not only led to his defeat but also put his life at risk. Haney has argued that when one fighter uses performance enhancers, the entire fairness of the contest is compromised, regardless of the outcome.

Mental Strain and Public Breakdown

As the legal battles raged on, Haney’s mental state seemed to deteriorate further. His public appearances and social media posts became increasingly erratic. Fans and analysts started to question whether Haney was losing his grip on reality. From challenging Garcia to a rematch to threatening further legal actions, Haney’s behavior appeared more and more out of character.

His obsession with the fight and Garcia’s alleged cheating began to dominate his every move. Haney seemed unable to move past the loss, fixating on his opponent’s alleged dishonesty rather than focusing on his own career. Some people began to speculate that the weight of the defeat, combined with the pressure of trying to clear his name through legal means, had taken a toll on Haney’s mental health.

Boxing’s Future in Question: The Impact of Haney’s Lawsuit

Haney’s lawsuit against Garcia has already shaken up the boxing world. If it is successful, it could set a major precedent for how performance-enhancing drugs are handled in the sport. Legal experts have suggested that this case could force a reevaluation of the penalties for drug violations in boxing, with the possibility of fighters facing massive financial repercussions for using PEDs.

However, the legal action has also sparked a backlash. Many in the boxing community believe that Haney should accept his loss and move on to the next fight, rather than pursuing a costly and time-consuming lawsuit. Some argue that filing lawsuits is not the solution to the problems in boxing, and that fighters should resolve their differences in the ring, not in courtrooms.

Despite the criticism, Haney remains determined to take action. His frustration and desire for justice have only grown stronger, with Haney insisting that Garcia must pay for what he did. Whether or not Haney will ever be able to move on from this controversy remains to be seen, but it is clear that his world has been shaken to its core.

Is Devin Haney Losing His Mind?

Devin Haney’s journey from undefeated champion to a fighter mired in legal battles and public breakdowns is a cautionary tale of how quickly the world can change in the brutal world of boxing. The mental toll of the loss, combined with the allegations of PED use, has clearly taken a significant toll on Haney. The question now is whether he will be able to bounce back from this ordeal or whether his obsession with the fight and his need for retribution will continue to spiral out of control.

For now, the boxing world watches closely as Haney tries to regain control of his career and his sanity. Whether he will emerge from this crisis stronger or continue down a path of self-destruction remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Devin Haney’s future in boxing is now uncertain, and the world is watching closely as this drama continues to unfold.