Devin Haney Protects His Ryan Garcia Payday

“We heard that they were looking for an opponent. We threw our hat in the ring, and that was it,” Paro told the Punch Podcast. “Then we’ve heard that they said we priced ourselves out, but I didn’t even get to talk numbers. So, yeah, it’s just a load of crap. What I believe anyway, until a contract’s signed, it’s just all talk.”

Either matchup would require Haney to defend against a skilled southpaw while Garcia and Benn compete for a far more valuable place at welterweight.

A rematch with Ryan would sell because of what happened in their 2024 fight. Haney has spent the last two years reminding fans that Ryan tested positive for ostarine, trying to erase the image of being dropped three times.

Remaining inactive is the safer business decision. A Garcia victory on September 12 would preserve the rematch Haney wants, while a Benn win would create another lucrative option through his profile in Britain.

The danger is that Haney does not decide what happens next.

Among the opponents Ryan recently named for after Benn were Teofimo Lopez, Rolando Romero, and Shakur Stevenson. He said he was in no hurry to face Haney again and believes his rival should continue living with the result of their first encounter.

Haney is protecting a payday Garcia may refuse to provide. Passing on Paro and Catterall keeps him available, but it does not reserve his place.

Several fighters are chasing Ryan, who views himself as the attraction. Unless that outlook changes, Haney may remain inactive for months in pursuit of a rematch that never arrives.