Ryan Garcia’s impressive victory over Devin Haney last Saturday was marred by a controversial weight-in strategy that Garcia later revealed was orchestrated by boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Garcia, who weighed in 3.2 pounds over the 140-pound limit, admitted that Mayweather advised him to come in overweight as part of a plan to avoid body fatigue and increase his chances of winning. Garcia’s adherence to this strategy proved effective, as his left-hand power dominated the fight, leading to Haney’s first professional defeat.
Despite his victory, Garcia’s weight manipulation raised questions about the integrity of the fight. Haney, known for his reliance on his jab for scoring points, was forced into a defensive clinch by the threat of Garcia’s left-hand power, abandoning his offensive strategy.
Garcia’s decision to come in overweight also drew criticism from fans and boxing experts, who argued that it was unfair to Haney and undermined the credibility of the fight. The controversy surrounding Garcia’s weight-in strategy overshadowed his impressive performance and raised questions about the role of strategy in boxing.
Garcia’s revelation that Mayweather played a role in his weight-in strategy added another layer of intrigue to the already-heated rivalry between the two boxing icons. Mayweather, who retired with an undefeated record of 50-0, including 27 knockouts, has been critical of Garcia in the past.
However, Garcia’s admission that Mayweather helped him plan his strategy suggests that the two may have reconciled after Devin Haney’s defeat to Garcia. The drama surrounding the Garcia-Haney fight highlights the ongoing tensions and rivalries within the boxing world, where strategy, controversy, and personal relationships often collide.
