'His voice changed back': Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney continue war of words ahead of Times Square card
They're not even fighting each other but that didn't stop Devin Haney and Devin Haney from continuing their war of words in New York City.
Garcia and Haney return on Saturday AEST in separate bouts at welterweight in a ring set up in the centre of the city's famed tourist spot, Times Square, on the sidewalk on 7th avenue between 43rd and 44th streets in a one-of-a-kind event.
Ring Magazine, bought by Saudi Arabia's Turki Alashikh, wanted something unique for its first event in the US, bypassing the possibility of having the event at Madison Square Garden or Barclays Center.
READ MORE: Fan fighting for life after horror stadium fall
READ MORE: Maroons skipper's sly dig amid calls for Origin revamp
READ MORE: Sensational V'landys reveal adds to sin bin confusion
It was at the latter venue in Brooklyn last April when Garcia and Haney met in a event that turned into somewhat of a fiasco, largely due to Garcia's erratic behaviour in the build-up.
He was more than 1kg over the limit the day before the fight, showing no care in the world as he chugged what appeared to be a bottle of beer while on the scale during the ceremonial weigh-in event after the official one had already been conducted behind closed doors.
Jose Ramirez and Devin Haney face off during a press conference for the fight between Ryan Garcia and Rolando Rolly Romero at the Manhattan Center on April 30, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images) Getty
That left him ineligible to take Haney's title after he scored three knockdowns and won a majority decision. Eventually he didn't even get the win, with the result changed and Garcia suspended for a year after testing positive to a banned substance.
"His voice changed back. Your physique changed. Those muscles gone, your voice is gone," Haney said.
Haney's father Bill was also heavily involved, with claims the heated exchange was sparked by a question about what happened between Garcia and Bill at the open workouts earlier in the week.
"He was coming at my physique, but it's all good," Garcia said.
"They were saying the same thing last time and they got whooped last time, too. And you'll get whooped again."
Bill chimed in again: "What happened to Ryan Garcia. This not the same Ryan Garcia, at all."
Garcia, who denied intentionally doping, then got the crowd to chant "shut up" at Bill before Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya tried to cross the stage to confront Haney Sr.
Ryan Garcia and Rolly Romero face off in Times Square prior to their WBA Welterweight fight. Getty
"Everybody's a great fighter here," De La Hoya said.
"There are three main events, three great fights. Sit down, learn how to promote. We can have four if you want. Me and you."
“I’m just here living life,” Garcia added, wearing a suit and tie. “Everybody goes through their ups and downs, everybody goes through their things, but it’s how you come back, it’s how you bounce back and I’m just here to show people that you can bounce back from anything.”
More than 100 screens are expected to be set up around Times Square. There were no details about contingencies for the weather, with the forecast calling for a chance of thunderstorms in the New York area during fight time.
