Devin Haney has filed a lawsuit against Ryan Garcia following his one-sided beating in New York on April 20.
Haney is suing Garcia after being dropped three times and losing a decision that eventually became a no-contest due to failed drug tests. Garcia tested positive for a minimal amount of ostarine, which is not believed to have been enough to give the victor super-strength.
However, it was enough to earn Garcia a one-year accepted ban, which Haney will use – alongside some subsequent tweets, against his former opponent in court.
Alleging ‘battery, fraud, and unjust enrichment,’ Haney is seeking punitive damages amounting to millions of dollars for emotional and mental distress.
Pat English, the legal representative for Haney, made a statement outlining the case against Garcia.
“At no time did Devin Haney consent to engage in a bout against a boxer who was positive for a performance-enhancing drug, had a performance enhancing procedure or masking agent. Devin Haney would not have proceeded with the bout had he known,” English stated, “The New York State Athletic Commission would not have permitted the bout had it known of the positive finding or Garcia’s IV use.
“Adding insult to the Commission and the sport of boxing, Mr. Garcia has alleged that he was ‘high as f*** during’ his bout with Mr. Haney. This very clearly brings disrepute on the sport of boxing and by derivation on the New York State Athletic Commission.”
The Lawsuit adds, “Under the terms of that consent order, Ryan Garcia must return the purse he has been paid to his promoter, Golden Boy. Devin Haney and Devin Haney Inc. are contractually entitled to 47 percent of all profits for the bout and are thus entitled to 47 percent of the funds required to be returned. Golden Boy has asserted that it will not share its extra profits from the bout due to the forfeiture ordered by the New York Athletic Commission. This constitutes a breach of contract by Golden Boy and unjust enrichment to Golden Boy.”
Devin’s father, Bill Haney, spoke to Boxing Scene about the filing. He said, “Devin is a consummate professional, and Ryan Garcia has shown no respect for himself, the business, or the sport.
“Devin is the face of boxing because he has challenged the franchise in many ways – by working with multiple promoters, crossing the sides of the street, and now he’s challenging PED use. This is all for the good of the sport.”
Garcia responded by saying ‘No words’ – but eventually did find some when saying, “I’m being sued for doing my job.”
He then made light of the situation.
“This fight has been a Netflix documentary but this right here is the finale. Your honor, he struggles with left hook syndrome.”
Bill responded, “Dumb***,” before Garcia joked, “I’m going to sue you for hurting my feelings with that tweet.”
In a final reply, Bill said, “Pleaded guilty to the worst thing in boxing – Performance Enhancing Drugs. He then snitched on everybody! – You can’t make this up. Dumb AF!”
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
