Devin Haney, the former undisputed lightweight champion, has filed a lawsuit against Ryan Garcia and Golden Boy Promotions in New York.
The legal action, initiated on Friday, alleges battery, fraud, and breach of contract in connection with their April title fight in Brooklyn.
The bout, which initially saw Garcia floor Haney three times en route to a unanimous decision victory, was later overturned to a no-contest.
This reversal came after Garcia tested positive for ostarine, a banned performance-enhancing drug.
Haney is seeking unspecified damages, claiming he never consented to fight an opponent who had taken performance-enhancing substances.
The lawsuit also targets Garcia's promoter, Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, for alleged breach of contract.
Davin Haney is set to take Ryan Garcia to court
DAZN
The lawsuit details Haney's claims of battery and fraud. According to court documents obtained by ESPN, Haney alleges Garcia committed battery because "his contest was limited to a bout held fairly and under the rules".
The fraud claim stems from Garcia's representation that he had tried to make weight and failed, when he later claimed he missed weight on purpose.
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Haney's attorney, Pat English, stated in the filing: "At no time did Devin Haney consent to engage in a bout against a boxer who was positive for a performance-enhancing drug... and would not have proceeded with the bout had he known."
Garcia, who weighed 143.2 pounds for the 140-pound fight, was subsequently suspended for one year and fined upwards of $1.2 million.
The financial implications of the lawsuit are significant. Haney is seeking damages for "physical injury, reputational damage which will amount to millions of dollars, and emotional and mental distress", according to the court filing.
The suit also names Golden Boy Promotions, demanding a full accounting of the event's profits.
Haney was entitled to 47% of these profits, as per his contract.
Bill Haney, Devin's father and manager, questioned the fairness of the situation, telling ESPN: "Oscar De La Hoya receives $1 million as a fine so why would he receive 1 million and Devin not? How can Golden Boy benefit from the ruling?"
The legal and sporting consequences of this lawsuit could be far-reaching. Garcia's one-year ban ends on 21 April 2025, potentially derailing his career momentum.
Devin Haney was knocked down three times in his no-contest clash against Ryan Garcia
DAZN
The case raises important questions about athlete safety and the use of performance-enhancing drugs in boxing.
As the legal drama unfolds, it could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in future.
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Ryan Garcia did not make weight for his fight against Devin Haney, which went ahead anyway
DAZN
The boxing community is closely watching the outcome, which may have significant ramifications for both Garcia and Golden Boy Promotions.
The lawsuit also highlights the broader implications of drug use in sports, potentially leading to stricter testing protocols and harsher penalties for violations.
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