Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia will meet in a controversial fight this evening, with some fans and pundits arguing that the bout should have been called off.
Garcia’s behaviour out of the ring has raised concerns over his mental health, and the 25-year-old’s failed weigh-in on Friday only heightened beliefs that he may struggle badly against Haney.
Haney, also 25, went 3-3 against Garcia during the Americans’ amateur days, but the “Dream” has surged ahead of Garcia as a professional. The unbeaten Haney reigned as undisputed lightweight champion before vacating those belts late last year, and going on to take the WBC super-lightweight title from Regis Prograis in December.
That belt was due to be defended tonight, but Garcia’s three-pound weight miss has made him ineligible to win the gold. Per a bet made by Garcia, the would-be challenger must also pay Haney $500,000 for each pound overweight.
Follow live updates and results from Haney vs Garcia and the undercard, below. Purchase a DAZN subscription here, with plans starting at £9.99 per month. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia LIVE
Garcia is making his ring walk! He’s wearing a diamond crown that is believed to be worth $1m.
Backstage, moments ago, he said: “I’m willing to kill this man, if I have to – with all due respect. This is the one fight I’m really willing to die for.”
A reminder that Garcia, 25, is ineligible to win the WBC super-lightweight title tonight, having missed weight by three pounds yesterday. That failed weigh-in also cost the American $1.5m, per a bet that he made with Haney.
Speaking of Haney, here comes the champion, also 25. This is the American’s second bout at super-lightweight, after he dethroned Regis Prograis in December – having vacated the undisputed lightweight belts.
Alex Pattle21 April 2024 05:05
Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia LIVE
Read our preview of tonight’s main event, right here:
Alex Pattle21 April 2024 05:01
Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia LIVE
The main event is up next. Ring walks are just moments away.
Alex Pattle21 April 2024 04:48
Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia LIVE: Arnold Barboza Jr vs Sean McComb
Arnold Barboza Jr def. Sean McComb via split decision (92-98, 96-94, 97-93)
That is a robbery, and I don’t ever use that word lightly.
McComb is in shock. Barboza looks surprised, too.
The crowd has gone quiet… until Barboza says he thinks he did enough to win; now the crowd boos!
Alex Pattle21 April 2024 04:47
Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia LIVE: Arnold Barboza Jr vs Sean McComb
Penultimate frame. McComb snaps back Barboza’s head with a counter straight.
Barboza lunges in to land a left hand, and he does pull it off – but only while taking a shot himself.
Final round! Another upset is on the cards here tonight. Barboza tries to press forward, but he’s still struggling with the range and stance of McComb.
We’ll go to the judges’ scorecards…
Alex Pattle21 April 2024 04:39
Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia LIVE: Arnold Barboza Jr vs Sean McComb
McComb is really building up a head of steam here. Barboza looks a little weary and unsure how to get back on top here.
He skips to his right then towards McComb, who catches him out with a timely jab.
McComb with an odd, curved right hook to the mid-section of Barboza, who fires back with a pair of body hooks himself.
An inventive combination follows from Barboza, but the execution is admittedly laboured.
Better work from Barboza now, as he goes from the body to the head and tags McComb hard.
Alex Pattle21 April 2024 04:31
Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia LIVE: Arnold Barboza Jr vs Sean McComb
Barboza is just out of range of a cross, but he eats a lunging jab. A welt has appeared on the left cheek of the champion.
McComb is staying light on his feet, changing angles well. Teasing uppercuts from the Northern Irishman, now a tidy counter one-two.
Into the second half of this fight. Barboza steps in, past McCombs’s shots, to land a short right cross.
Barboza times a longer shot nicely now, between McComb’s attempt at a one-two.
Alex Pattle21 April 2024 04:23
Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia LIVE: Arnold Barboza Jr vs Sean McComb
Barboza maintains the pressure that he began to apply in round two, backing McComb up to the ropes and attacking the body.
Slick jab to the head by Barboza now. McComb with a pair of decent counter jabs. The Northern Irishman with a good cross, too, after shelling up – Philly style.
Short, accurate shots to the head by Barboza, who is firing with both hands.
Alex Pattle21 April 2024 04:16
Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia LIVE: Arnold Barboza Jr vs Sean McComb
Good start from southpaw McComb. He’s showing off some nice head movement and throwing shots from awkward angles – and that southpaw stance, of course.
Barboza gets on the front foot. McComb is trying to make life difficult with frequent, peppered one-two combinations.
The Northern Irishman curls a right hook to the body of Barboza, who fires back with a pair of his own body hooks.
Alex Pattle21 April 2024 04:07
Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia LIVE: Arnold Barboza Jr vs Sean McComb
One more fight before the main event! Next up, it’s Arnold Barboza Jr vs Sean McComb at super-lightweight.
Barboza’s WBO Intercontinental title is on the line is this one. Ten rounds scheduled here.
Alex Pattle21 April 2024 03:52
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.