American Ryan Garcia floored Devin Haney three times in a majority points win over his compatriot on a dramatic night in Brooklyn, New York.
Garcia exceeded the 140-pound light-welterweight limit by 3.2 pounds (1.45 kilograms), rendering him ineligible to claim the WBC title.
However, Ryan Garcia managed to knock down his opponent in the seventh, tenth, and eleventh rounds, securing the favor of two judges who scored the bout 115-109 and 114-110. A third judge scored it a draw at 112-112 in Brooklyn.
With this victory, Ryan Garcia, who had a point deducted in the seventh round for punching on the break, has now won 25 out of his 26 fights. This marks his second consecutive win since his sole professional loss to Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis a year ago.
On the other hand, Haney, the former undisputed world lightweight champion, who clinched a 140-pound title with a dominant points victory over Regis Prograis in December, suffered his first defeat in 32 fights.
“Come on, guys, you really thought I was crazy? You all lost your own minds,” Garcia said in his post-fight interview. “You guys overegg everything.”
Haney said he was disappointed with his performance.
“But I showed that I can fight after a knockdown and getting hurt,” he added.
“I would love a rematch. I gave him a shot, it’s only right he gives me a shot back. He didn’t make weight, so I’m still the champion. We can run it back.”
