Ryan Garcia confirms he will be moving weight classes following victory over Devin Haney
Ryan Garcia stunned the combat sports world by handing Devin Haney the first defeat of his career on April 20 via majority decision.
The pair were initially scheduled to clash for the WBC super lightweight title. However, 'KingRy' missed the 140-pound weight limit by over three pounds, leading to the fight being rescheduled to a non-title bout.
Garcia looked notably bigger than his opponent in the ring, and during his post-fight press conference shared that he planned on moving up to welterweight following his recent victory.
He said this:
"I'm moving up. I'm not doing 140 [pounds]. I'm going to 147 [pounds]. I can't make 140 [pounds]. I never even technically fought at 140. I fought every time at 143 [pounds]. My body literally can't go lower than 143, it's impossible. I tried every technique, I can't do it."
Watch Ryan Garcia's press conference below from 22:30:
'KingRy' proved all his doubters wrong by serving up one of the best performances of his career thus far. Garcia's controversial behavior in the lead up to fight night left many believing that the fight would not take place, let alone that the +500 underdog could defeat Haney, who entered the ring undefeated.
Ryan Garcia reveals he was drinking every day during training camp for Devin Haney clash
Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia were scheduled to go to war for the WBC super lightweight title on April 20. But following Garcia's weight miss, the bout was rescheduled to a non-title fight.
'KingRy' caused much confusion amongst combat sports fans with his behavior ahead of the fight, which continued throughout fight week. During yesterday's ceremonial weigh-ins, the former title challenger was seen downing what appeared to be a beer while on stage.
Garcia also discussed his use of alcohol and cannabis during pre-fight press events, and many wondered if he was being serious or not.
Following his majority decision victory over 'The Dream', 'KingRy' appeared in front of the media where he discussed his pre-fight preparations. He said this:
"I walked through the fire, and still held it down. And still beat Devin Haney. And still drank every day. And still beat him. I did everything. What the f**k? False reality right? Drank every single night, went out on the first Monday and Tuesday and drank... Not necessarily am I proud of it, but I'm just saying." [16:20-17:00 in Ryan Garcia's post-fight presser]