Haney says Garcia recently messaged him about A-side status as talk of a second fight continues to grow
DDevin Haney says Ryan Garcia has already contacted him about negotiating a possible rematch. According to Haney, Garcia’s message quickly turned to the question of A-side status.
Speaking on Inside The Ring, Haney described a recent exchange with Garcia as talk around a second meeting continues to circulate among fans.
“Ryan messaged me about A-side, B-side. I said Ryan let’s try and make this fight happen. He messaged me saying ‘hope you know I’m the A-side.’ I don’t know how that even came up.”
The rivalry traces back to April 2024, when the pair met in what was originally scheduled as a defense of Haney’s WBC super-lightweight title. Garcia missed the weight limit before the bout, forcing the contest to proceed without the belt on the line.
Garcia knocked Haney down several times that night and was awarded a majority decision. The result later changed to a no contest after Garcia returned a positive drugs test.
The fallout between the two fighters continued outside the ring. Haney filed a lawsuit accusing Garcia of battery, fraud and breach of contract before eventually dropping the case, adding another chapter to their ongoing dispute.
Both fighters have since moved into the welterweight division and picked up major belts. Haney claimed the WBO welterweight title with a victory over Brian Norman Jr., while Garcia captured the WBC version in February by defeating Mario Barrios.
Those results have reignited interest in settling their rivalry again.
While Garcia has publicly indicated on social media that he is open to the rematch if negotiations can be finalized, Haney is also being mentioned for another welterweight bout. One of the other names linked to him is WBA champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero, who previously defeated Garcia when the two shared the ring last year.
For now, the possibility of Haney-Garcia II remains a major talking point in the welterweight division as discussions about terms continue.
