The lead-up to the Devin Haney-Ryan Garcia fight at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center has been tumultuous, with two promotional events in New York already going awry. Originally slated to fight for the WBC junior welterweight title, Garcia weighed in three pounds over the 140-pound limit, meaning the belt would not be up for grabs. At a promo event at the Empire State Building on Tuesday, Haney and Garcia had to be separated in front of numerous cameras, leading the New York Mets to cancel their plans to have the duo throw out the first pitch that evening.
According to Garcia’s camp, Mets security was concerned about the earlier incident at the Empire State Building, prompting the cancellation of the first pitch plans. While Garcia had already thrown warmup pitches and had a smooth meeting with Mets members, only Garcia, Haney, and Garcia’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya were allowed on the field for the first pitch. Haney was reportedly upset when told the pitch was no longer happening and left the stadium, while Garcia was still willing to throw the first pitch himself. The Mets suggested that De La Hoya throw the pitch, but he declined, and Garcia left shortly after, expressing frustration and swearing at the Mets in a video.
Garcia had promised to pay $500,000 for each pound he weighed in overweight, totaling $1.5 million, which Haney says was paid out. The two fighters have continued to engage in promotional events leading up to the fight, despite the setbacks and tensions between them. Fans and media continue to follow the developments in the lead-up to the bout, with anticipation building for the fight at the Barclays Center. The incident at the Empire State Building and the subsequent fallout with the Mets have added drama to the already complex dynamic between Haney and Garcia, further fueling interest in their upcoming matchup.
The cancellation of the first pitch at the Mets game due to concerns about potential altercations between Haney and Garcia reflects the tension and excitement surrounding their upcoming fight. Despite the challenges and setbacks, both fighters remain focused on the bout and continue to participate in promotional activities. The financial penalties imposed on Garcia for weighing in overweight underscore the importance of discipline and preparation in boxing, as well as the significance of the title they were originally set to compete for. The lead-up to the fight has been marked by controversy and conflict, adding to the intrigue and anticipation among fans and observers.
Haney and Garcia’s feud has captured the attention of the boxing world, with their upcoming fight generating significant interest and excitement. The drama surrounding their promotional events in New York has only added to the buzz surrounding the bout, with fans eagerly waiting to see the two fighters face off in the ring. Despite the tension between them, both Haney and Garcia remain focused on their preparation for the fight, with their clash at the Barclays Center promising to be a thrilling and high-stakes event. As the countdown to the fight continues, all eyes will be on Haney and Garcia as they vie for victory in what promises to be a memorable and highly-anticipated matchup.
