Ryan Garcia scored a massive upset win last night (Sat., April 20, 2024), battering Devin Haney from pillar to post and handing “The Dream” his first-ever professional loss via majority decision from inside Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York (watch highlights).
The entire combat sports world tuned into Haney vs. Garcia, including former double champion, Conor McGregor (his thoughts here), and reigning Bantamweight roost-ruler, Sean O’Malley, who actually wants to fight “King.”
After the super exciting boxing event, O’Malley gave props to Garcia for the win, but also mocked his Floyd Mayweather-inspired defense technique.
“Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney just got done,” O’Malley said in an Instagram video. “Very impressive fight from Ryan, he was using interesting technique. He would throw his left hook, which is very nice. He’d throw his left hook and instantly turn his back and couldn’t get hit … good fight.”
While Garcia’s performance was pretty flawless, he used a shoulder roll several times that just didn’t really seem to work very well, shelling up and turning his back to Haney. The referee warned Garcia several times during the bout, but never took a point for the odd strategy.
Nevertheless, Garcia and O’Malley have been jawing at each other for several months, with Garcia willing to fight him in mixed martial arts (MMA). O’Malley was down, but after Garcia’s questionable behavior leading up to his fight with Haney, UFC’s 135-pound deity cooled on the idea.
And it might not ever re-heat after reading this.
For complete Haney vs. Garcia results, coverage and highlights click HERE.