Boxing is a sport that thrives on bravado and boasts, and Ryan Garcia is no exception. This piece explores the recent incident where Garcia’s pre-fight wager cost him a whopping $1.5 million ahead of his showdown with Devin Haney.
In the world of boxing, weigh-ins are critical. They ensure fighters are in the right weight class and on equal footing. However, for Garcia, his last weigh-in was more than just a routine check—it carried a hefty cost.
The controversial boxer tipped the scales at 143.2 pounds for his match with Haney, the WBC junior welterweight titleholder, making him ineligible for the belt. Despite this setback, the fight was set to continue, as confirmed by DAZN.
Garcia’s overconfidence led him to make a bold bet. He pledged $500,000 for each pound he weighed over the 140-pound limit.
Haney confirmed that Garcia honored his wager. However, Garcia seemed unfazed by the situation, expressing his indifference on social media.
Social media platforms have become a stage for fighters to taunt their opponents and rally support. Garcia, 25, used this platform to brush off the incident, stating that he feels great and has a 3-pound advantage. He even joked about his physical condition, linking it to his weight gain.
The Garcia-Haney bout had its fair share of drama outside the ring. The two combatants got into a scuffle at the Empire State Building, adding an extra layer of tension to their upcoming match.
Garcia and Haney’s clash extended to the baseball field as well. The Mets had scheduled the duo to throw the first pitch at a game at Citi Field. However, due to their earlier skirmish, the invitation was rescinded.
The cancellation led to a heated outburst from Garcia, who expressed his displeasure in a video after leaving the Queens stadium. He went on to criticize the Mets, urging fans not to support their games.
Garcia’s recent actions have raised eyebrows. His behavior, both in and out of the ring, has prompted concerns about his mental state and focus on the sport.
Despite the controversies, the match between Garcia and Haney was scheduled to proceed at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Both fighters had impressive records, setting the stage for an intense bout.
