Eddie Hearn questions Ryan Garcia claiming his pre-fight antics were an act; doubtful about Floyd Mayweather’s involvement in ‘KingRy’ missing weight
Ryan Garcia handed Devin Haney his first professional defeat on April 20th.
The pair was initially scheduled to fight for the WBC super lightweight title, held by Haney. But 'KingRy' missed the 140-pound weight limit by over three pounds, leading to the fight being reclassified as a non-title bout.
Garcia's antics in the build-up left many wondering if the anticipated clash would even take place. His concerning social media activity, combined with discussing his use of cannabis and alcohol, resulted in the belief that 'KingRy' would not show up on fight night.
But following his dominant display against 'The Dream', Garcia claimed that his behavior was an act designed to make people think he was going crazy. He too noted that the decision to miss weight was thanks to Floyd Mayweather.
Haney's co-promoter, Eddie Hearn, has now shared his skepticism at either of Garcia's claims being true. The Matchroom Boxing chairman was recently interviewed by Seconds Out, where he said this:
"I'm not so sure he was [advised by Mayweather]. He said he put the whole thing on as an act, and I'm not sure about that either. But you've got to take your hat off to him, because wherever he's at mentally, he put a great performance in. But he did come in three-and-a-half pounds over. Not a lot of people have spoken about that, it is a thing."
Watch Hearn discuss Ryan Garcia's claims below from 6:00:
Ryan Garcia's weight miss against Devin Haney cost him over $2 million, says Max Holloway
Ryan Garcia stunned the combat sports world by defeating Devin Haney via majority decision on April 20. Many believed his only avenue for victory was to knock 'The Dream' out but Garcia dominated large portions of the bout over twelve rounds.
During the final pre-fight press conference the pair bet that if either man missed weight, they would pay their opponent $500,000 per pound.
'KingRy' weighed three pounds over the 140-pound limit, and after the weigh-ins, Haney confirmed that his opponent had followed through on the bet.
But during Max Holloway's recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, he explained why the talented boxer paid more than $1.5 million. He said this:
"He paid $2.1 million in fees... He paid $1.5 million to Haney, 'cause he said $500,00 for every pound. He had to pay the ectra $600,000 or $500,000 to the commission. So it was like $2.1 million."
Watch Holloway discuss Ryan Garcia's weight miss below from 1:20:20: