Golden Boy’s Retreat From Haney Rematch Raises Questions

Oscar De La Hoya confirmed this week that Golden Boy Promotions is no longer interested in a rematch between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney, despite an existing contract for a return bout scheduled for October in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Following Garcia’s loss to Rolando “Rolly” Romero on May 2 in Times Square, Garcia reportedly had 14 days to accept or decline a rematch clause initiated by Haney, who secured a decisive win over Jose Ramirez on the same card. The boxing world had anticipated a high-stakes reunion between the two fighters, whose first bout ended in controversy.

Their April 20, 2024 clash at the Barclays Center, initially a stunning upset victory for Garcia, was later ruled a no-contest after multiple failed drug tests. Garcia tested positive for banned substances including Ostarine under VADA testing, as well as through additional testing by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC). Haney, who had entered the ring as the undefeated WBC super lightweight champion, walked away with his record intact and momentum building for a high-profile rematch.

Despite the initial agreement to fight again regardless of the outcome of interim bouts, Golden Boy’s position has shifted. “It’s not the direction we want to go,” De La Hoya stated this week—echoing a sentiment that many observers find disingenuous.

The original Haney-Garcia fight was not Golden Boy’s preferred match-up either. After Haney’s victory over Regis Prograis to claim the 140-pound title, Garcia publicly called him out. However, he soon appeared to pivot, showing up with Floyd Mayweather, hinting at other directions, and eventually pursuing a bout with Romero that failed to materialize until this spring.

Observers say Garcia’s inconsistent positioning and refusal to commit to Haney may stem from a lack of confidence in his ability to outbox the more technically sound champion. Critics argue that Garcia’s failure to make the 140-pound limit for their first meeting—coming in 3.2 pounds overweight—was a calculated move to gain a physical advantage. The use of banned substances like Ostarine and Nandrolone further deepened suspicions about Garcia’s intentions and readiness.

De La Hoya has defended Garcia’s retreat from a rematch, saying Haney “lost” even in victory and claiming his market value has diminished. “Devin actually lost winning,” he said. “Everybody is talking. I’m just stating facts here. People are talking about him just being a runner, not a boxer.”

He added: “There’s something about being a boxer like Pernell Whitaker, like Meldrick Taylor, like Sweet Pea. Those are boxers—super talented and beautiful. This guy [Haney] is a runner. Why would I want to see that?”

To many, such comments ring hollow—particularly given Saudi Arabia’s willingness to back the rematch with substantial financial incentives. His Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, has expressed interest in staging the fight and remains committed to making it happen.

Bill and Devin Haney appear unfazed by Garcia’s apparent withdrawal. On social media this week, the Haneys released a list of 10 potential opponents for Devin. Garcia, notably, was placed last.

The snub underscores a growing sentiment in the boxing community: that Garcia’s hesitancy is not about strategy or matchmaking, but fear. By walking away from a lucrative opportunity and an unresolved rivalry, Garcia and his promoter may be signaling something deeper—a fundamental doubt in their fighter’s ability to defeat a superior technician in Haney.