RYAN GARCIA WILL FACE CONOR BENN ON THE SAME DAY CANELO ÁLVAREZ FIGHTS CHRISTIAN MBILLI

Ryan Garcia just announced he's fighting Conor Benn on September 12th in Las Vegas.

The same day Canelo is fighting Christian Mbilli

Two WBC titles on the line!

"HE'S BEEN HURT IN SPARRING": JAKE PAUL VS ANTHONY JOSHUA 'LEAK' EMERGES DAYS BEFORE FIGHT

Image credit: Jake Paul Instagram / Matchroo
 

Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul are just days away from their controversial heavyweight showdown.

Two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua is set to face ‘The Problem Child’ over eight rounds at the Kaseya Center in Miami on Friday night.

‘AJ’ is yet to make a return to the ring since he suffered a shock 5th round stoppage defeat to former IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

Paul was last in action back in July when he defeated former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr at the Honda Center in Anaheim.

There are a number of stipulations that have been put in place for their controversial match-up which includes a 245lb weight limit that only Joshua must adhere to.

As reported by The Sun, Ryan Garcia has claimed that Paul has been struggling during his sparring sessions and could be in a world of trouble when he steps into the ring with ‘AJ’ later this week.

“I heard word that he’s getting beat up in sparring by these heavyweights. And these aren’t even Anthony Joshua, bro. S***, I’m leaking some s***. But… [Joshua] has got 50lbs on him.”

It was revealed earlier this month that Paul had drafted in a number of world ranked heavyweights for sparring ahead of his meeting with Joshua, including two-weight world champion Lawrence Okolie and Cuban contender Frank Sanchez.

Okolie, who is now campaigning at heavyweight following his success at cruiserweight and bridgerweight, left ‘The Problem Child’ with a black eye following a recent sparring session.

 - Kailem Lowe

OSCAR DE LA HOYA DECLARES VERGIL ORTIZ JR. THE "GOLDEN TICKET" OF BOXING: SAYS ONLY ORTIZ CAN FILL COWBOYS STADIUM AND DELIVER NEXT MEGA-FIGHT

(Credit: Golden Boy Promotions / Cris Esqueda)

By Elliot Raines: Promoter Oscar De La Hoya says his fighter, Vergil Ortiz Jr., is the “golden ticket” for all other boxers from 147 to 154 to fight for them to be part of a “mega-fight” in front of a full Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Ortiz (23-0, 21 KOs) is facing a major test against Erickson Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs) this Saturday, November 8th, that will affect whether he becomes the star that De La Hoya predicts.

COWBOYS STADIUM DREAM

Vergil Jr. is still largely unproven at 27, and he’s not exactly looked like gold in his last two fights at 154 since being matched against the solid B-level fighters, Israil Madrimov and Serhii Bohachuk. Lubin, another B-level fighter, could prove to be too much for Ortiz Jr., which would foil Oscar’s vision.

If WBC interim junior middleweight champion Ortiz Jr. loses this fight, it would put De La Hoya in a tough spot of having to explain what happened and confront the truth about his fighter. He’s not as good as he thinks he is.

“Ennis is going to tell Eddie, ‘I don’t want Vergil next. Give me another tune-up fight.’ Vergil Ortiz right now is so hungry to win a world title,” said De La Hoya to the media on Thursday, talking about Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and his promoter, Eddie Hearn. They plan on being ringside for Ortiz Jr’s fight against Lubin.

The vision thing that De La Hoya dreamed up won’t materialize if he chooses not to match Ortiz Jr. against Ennis next. A fight against WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora won’t be big enough to fill the Cowboys Stadium or bring in a massive number of PPV buys on DAZN.

Vergil Jr. needs ‘Boots’ Ennis for that because he’s arguably the most popular fighter now that Terence Crawford has abandoned the 154-lb division, moving up to 168.

“Him winning on Saturday night and him fighting ‘Boots.’ He has another thing comin’ because Vergil is coming with everything,” said De La Hoya.

GOLDEN TICKET VISION

“Vergil Ortiz, whatever weight class he’s in, everyone follows because everyone knows that wherever he’s at, that he’s the golden ticket. He’s the only one who knows that he’s going to be able to fill up the Cowboys Stadium,” said De La Hoya.

Ortiz Jr. needs to look great against Erickson on Saturday and not struggle the way he did against Madrimov and Bohachuk. He didn’t look like anyone’s ‘golden ticket” in those fighters. But even if he’s outstanding, he’ll need one of these fighters to sell out Cowboys Stadium:

• Jaron Ennis

• Ryan Garcia

• Devin Haney

None of the other 154-lb fighters besides Ennis can bring in the numbers. The 160-lb division is devoid of names. Ortiz’s bet is Ennis, and the 147-pounders Ryan and Haney.

“Just like he told Jerry Jones when he was a kid coming up, ‘I’m going to fill that stadium for you,’ and I believe it now. But he’s the only one who can do it. Without Vergil Ortiz, no one can do it now. If we make Vergil against anyone in his next fight, it’s going to be a mega-event.

JAKE PAUL CANCELS GERVONTA 'TANK' DAVIS FIGHT ACCUSATIONS AGAINST OPPONENT

Jake Paul has cancelled his fight with Gervonta Davis after the boxer was accused of battery, false imprisonment and kidnapping.

Jake Paul has called off his fight with Gervonta Davis (Image: Getty Images)

Jake Paul has pulled out of his fight with Gervonta Davis after 'Tank' was accused of battery, false imprisonment and kidnapping by an ex-girlfriend. The pair were set to face off in an exhibition match in Miami on November 14, despite Davis being a lightweight and Paul a cruiserweight.

The bout wouldn't have counted towards their professional records, but a winner would have been declared either by stoppage or by two human judges and an AI official if the fight went the distance. However, Most Valuable Promotions have now decided to find a new opponent for Paul, with the YouTuber-turned-boxer branding Davis 'an actual walking human piece of garbage'.

Davis has yet to comment on the allegations, but his trainer Calvin Ford dismissed them as "nonsense". According to the lawsuit, Davis attacked ex-partner Courtney Rossel at her workplace on October 27 and had previously threatened to kill her.

Ms. Rossel also claims Davis "physically assaulted and choked" her on at least four other occasions. She is seeking damages of $50,000 and a jury trial.

Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, said in a statement: "Our team has worked closely with all parties to navigate this situation responsibly. While we will not be moving forward with this event, our plan still remains for Jake Paul to headline an event on Netflix in 2025.

"Details regarding a new date, location, Jake's opponent, and additional bouts will be shared as soon as they are finalised."

Paul took to social media to vent his frustrations, stating: "Working with him is an absolute nightmare. The unprofessionalism, the bizarre requests, the showing up hours late to shoots. To the numerous arrests and related accusations and lawsuits.

"If you support this man you support the most vile sin a man can commit... I'm so sorry to everyone involved."

Ryan Garcia was initially suggested as a potential replacement for Davis, but promoter Oscar De La Hoya has dismissed this idea. He explained: "Let me tell you why this fight is not going to happen.

"Ryan Garcia fights for DAZN and Jake Paul fights on Netflix. Golden Boy has a contract with DAZN. Ryan Garcia has a contract with Golden Boy."

In the meantime, Eddie Hearn hasn't ruled out a surprise match between Paul and Anthony Joshua. Speaking to iFL TV, he said: "Just let me know where."

Hearn's comments followed his earlier suggestion that it was unlikely Joshua would return to the ring before the end of the year.

He stated: "I don't want to confirm it because you never know but I think it's very unlikely. At the moment, we're all working towards our February date which is getting very close to being confirmed.

"Now, would there be a run out in 2025? Again, never say never. What I will say to you is he's four or five weeks deep into camp so he's on me to fight.

"Previously he hadn't been training in camp with intensity. He wasn't really looking to fight other than February but now he's almost ready to go so I think realistically as we move into November, February will be the return date but never say never."

- Martin Domin

RYAN GARCIA HAS VANDALISM CHARGE FROM HOTEL INCIDENT DISMISSED

The vandalism charge against boxing star Ryan Garcia was dismissed Tuesday in connection with a June incident at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, Garcia's attorney, Michael A. Goldstein, told ESPN.

Garcia, 26, faced the misdemeanor charge after he caused an estimated $15,000 in damages at the posh property.

"As stated back in July, we expected a favorable resolution of this matter and always viewed this through the lens of a civil case," Goldstein said. "This incident occurred a day after Mr. Garcia learned of his mother's significant health issues and was under a tremendous amount of stress."

According to Goldstein, Garcia reimbursed the Waldorf Astoria the approximately $15,000 for the cost of damage immediately and the hotel did not wish to pursue the matter.

"He destroyed property that was ultimately paid for," added Goldstein. "We appreciate the professionalism of the Beverly Hills Police Department, the Waldorf Astoria and the court for granting our motion to dismiss the charges. Mr. Garcia continues to work on his own health as he prepares to get back into the ring."

Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) was suspended one year by the New York Athletic Commission in May after he tested positive for the banned substance ostarine in the lead-up to his majority decision victory over Devin Haney in April in a major upset.

The result -- Garcia floored Haney three times -- was overturned to a no contest. Garcia is eligible to return in April.

Garcia is also facing a lawsuit filed by Haney last month in connection with the positive PED test.

- Mike Coppinger, ESPN Boxing Insider

RYAN GARCIA CHARGED WITH ONE MISDEMEANOR COUNT FOR VANDALISM

X.com

Boxing star Ryan Garcia was formally charged with one misdemeanor count of vandalism following his June 8 arrest for allegedly vandalizing the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County district attorney George Gascón announced Thursday.

Garcia, 25, is set to be arraigned Aug. 7 at the Airport Courthouse. If convicted, Garcia faces a maximum sentence of one year in county jail.

"While we are grateful no injuries were reported in this incident, reckless behavior that damages property shows a blatant and unacceptable disregard for the safety and peace of our community," Gascón said. "Our office will work to ensure the responsible individual is held accountable."

Garcia caused an estimated $15,000 in damage, a Beverly Hills Police Department watch commander told ESPN the day he was arrested. The formal charge was for $400 or more in damage or destruction of property.

"No way I'm going to jail," Garcia posted on X after Thursday's announcement.

Garcia's attorney, Michael A. Goldstein, said in a statement that Garcia apologized to hotel personnel and reimbursed the hotel for the damage caused.

"The past several months have been difficult for Ryan and he understands he has reached a crossroads in both his personal life and career," Goldstein said. "Going forward, he knows the focus must be on his well-being and mental health issues which have been strained. There is no alternative. He apologizes to anyone he has offended with his behavior and words and hopes the investment in his own well-being will demonstrate the sincerity of his apology.

"With regard to the pending misdemeanor criminal matter, we expect to reach a resolution that recognizes his immediate reimbursement, his personal issues and lack of past criminal history. Ryan appreciates the love and support that he has received and hopes to remain in your prayers."

Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) was suspended one year last month by the New York Athletic Commission after he tested positive for the banned substance ostarine in the lead-up to his majority decision victory over Devin Haney in April in a major upset.

The result -- Garcia floored Haney three times -- was overturned to a no contest. Garcia is eligible to return in April.

- Mike Coppinger, ESPN Boxing Insider

WBC EXPELS BOXING STAR RYAN GARCIA AFTER RACIAL SLUR

Super lightweight boxer Ryan Garcia speaks during a news conference at the MGM Grand on April 20, 2023, in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)

 The WBC has expelled boxing star Ryan Garcia from any activity with the organization after he repeatedly used racial slurs against Black people and disparaged Muslims in comments livestreamed on social media.

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announced the penalty Thursday on the social media platform X.

"We reject any form of discrimination," Sulaiman wrote. "I fear for Ryan well being as he has declined multiple attempts for our help with mental health and substance abuse."

It wasn't immediately clear what sanctions the WBC would take against Garcia, who is serving a one-year suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission after a positive test for the performance-enhancing drug ostarine. That suspension is retroactive to Garcia's April 20 decision victory over Devin Haney, which was overturned to a no-contest.

Garcia posted an apology of sorts on X.

"I was trolling I want all the killing to stop," Garcia wrote. "I love everyone sorry if I offended you."

It has been a tumultuous year for Garcia, 25, who was arrested on felony vandalism charges last month after a Beverly Hills hotel accused him of causing an estimated $15,000 in damage.

In a statement released after the WBC announced its penalty, Garcia's family addressed his recent troubling behavior as well as his social media remarks, stating that they "do not align with his, or our family's, true character or beliefs."

"Our family unequivocally does not support any statements [Garcia] has made regarding race or religion -- these do not reflect who Ryan truly is and how he was raised," the family's statement read. "Those who know Ryan can attest to this fact. Ryan has been open about his ongoing struggle with mental health over the years and as a family we are committed to ensuring and encouraging that he receives the necessary help to navigate this very challenging time and address both his immediate and long-term well-being."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

- ESPN News Services

DAVIS VS. LOMACHENKO? WILL BENAVIDEZ GET CANELO NEXT? WHAT CAN MATIAS DO AFTER LOSS?

Gervonta Davis, right, defended his WBA lightweight world title with a KO victory over Frank Martin Saturday night in Las Vegas. Steve Marcus/Getty Images

 Gervonta Davis cemented his status Saturday as one of the sport's best fighters with another highlight-reel KO.

One of Davis' patented left uppercuts dazed Frank Martin before a left cross sent the defenseless challenger crashing to the mat for the count of 10 in Round 8. Davis, ESPN's No. 7 pound-for-pound boxer, could face Vasiliy Lomachenko later this year in a lightweight summit meeting.

"Tank" Davis' successful WBA lightweight title defense was billed as the 100th championship fight at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena. The bout was Davis' first in 14 months -- a seventh-round TKO of Ryan Garcia last April -- and first since a 44-day jail stint last summer.

David Benavidez made his light heavyweight debut in the PBC PPV co-feature with a comfortable unanimous-decision victory over former champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk. While Benavidez didn't secure the stoppage, he did impress as he looks toward far bigger fights at 175 pounds.

Elsewhere Saturday, Australia's Liam Paro scored a major upset with a decision win over Subriel Matias to capture the IBF junior welterweight title.

Here's what we learned from each of those three fights, along with the title implications following the results:

Davis explosive in return; could Lomachenko be next?

Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) reminded everyone he's one of the sport's most-electrifying fighters with another spectacular KO victory. Martin was game and banked some early rounds with a sharp jab. All three judges gave Martin the first three rounds.

Fighting in his first title bout, Martin was able to mark up Davis' right eye with left hands as he boxed off the back foot, but "Tank" is usually a slow starter. This night was no different.

Davis' educated pressure began to wear Martin down behind his southpaw jab and followed with explosive left hands. It was a matter of time until one of those shots landed flush, and when it did, Martin couldn't absorb it. He had never been knocked down before, but this was his first fight on the elite level.

With another opponent out of the way, calls will resume for Baltimore's Davis to fight in a title unification bout for the first time at age 29. Preliminary talks have been held to match Davis against IBF lightweight champion Lomachenko. Ukraine's Lomachenko, ESPN's No. 1 lightweight, is a future Hall of Famer.

Davis, ESPN's No. 2 lightweight, could also look to a fall fight with Shakur Stevenson. Stevenson defends his WBC 135-pound title vs. Artem Harutyunyan on July 6, and will be a promotional free agent afterward, clearing an easier path for a fight with Davis.

Benavidez dominates in 175-pound debut

David Benavidez center, celebrates his victory over Oleksandr Gvozdyk to win the interim WBC light heavyweight title. Steve Marcus/Getty Images

One of the sport's fastest-rising stars, David Benavidez has long lobbied for a shot at Canelo Alvarez, but when that wasn't successful, he moved up to light heavyweight.

That first 175-pound bout came vs. Gvozdyk, the former lineal champion who once TKOed Adonis Stevenson but was sent into retirement by Artur Beterbiev in 2019.

After 3½ years out of the ring, Gvozdyk returned last year with three bouts against lower-tier opposition. He performed well against Benavidez to last the distance, but Gvozdyk never threatened to win the fight.

At his new weight, Benavidez didn't unload with his usual volume, but showed improved defense. He slipped many of Gvozdyk's shots while he applied pressure and caught many punches on his arms.

Benavidez battered Gvozdyk's body and prevailed via scores of 119-109, 117-111 and 116-112. Next up could be a fall fight with David Morrell, a super middleweight contender who's also moving up to 175 pounds. The Cuban will make his light heavyweight debut Aug. 3 vs. Radivoje Kalajdzic.

The marquee fight for Benavidez -- outside of an Alvarez meeting -- is the winner of the Oct. 12 Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol undisputed light heavyweight championship bout.

The concern now rests on Benavidez's power at his new weight. Despite all the damage he dealt Gvozdyk, he never had the Ukrainian in serious trouble. Against a better fighter such us Beterbiev or Bivol, Benavidez will likely need to be better.

"I was trying to get the feel for the light heavyweight division," said Benavidez, 27. "These guys, they hit a little bit harder up here. ... Two weeks ago I suffered a cut in my eye. ... I had a torn tendon on my right hand, and I didn't think I was going to make it tonight, but we pushed through it."

Paro upset over Matias shakes up 140-pound division

Liam Paro, left, defeated Subriel Matias by unanimous decision to win the IBF junior welterweight title. Amanda Westcott/Matchroom

For the second time in three months, there's a major upset in a junior welterweight title fight. First it was Ryan Garcia, who floored Devin Haney three times in a decision win in April, though the result stands to be overturned after Garcia's positive test for the banned substance ostarine.

Now it's Paro who defied the odds in a 140-pound title fight with a victory over Matias in enemy territory.

Paro (24-0, 15 KOs) stood his ground in the face of Matias' relentless pressure and exchanged with the power-puncher. The win appeared far from fluky as the 28-year-old made adjustments and showed off a versatile arsenal in a career-best performance.

It was yet another road victory for Paro, who traveled to the U.S. in December for a sixth-round TKO win over Montana Love. After the pair of wins -- this one over ESPN's No. 2 140-pounder -- the newly minted champion could find himself in the division's top five when ESPN's rankings are updated next week.

The division is hot. Jack Catterall rose to No. 4 in the rankings after he defeated Josh Taylor in the rematch last month. Teofimo Lopez, the lineal champion, defends his IBF title against Steve Claggett on June 29 in Miami.

There's now plenty of attractive matchups for Paro. Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn said he'd like to deliver a title defense for him in Australia, where Tim Tszyu and George Kambosos Jr. have competed in front of sizable crowds.

The most appetizing of all is a rematch with Matias, especially Down Under. The fight was a slugfest, and a return bout would be welcomed by fans.

Matias is with Matchroom, and so, too, are Catterall and Richardson Hitchins.

- Mike Coppinger, ESPN Boxing Insider

HENRY GARCIA | 1980'S

 

A picture of Ryan Garcia’s dad Henry Garcia, from the 1980’s. Looks exactly like Ryan.

BOXER RYAN GARCIA TESTED POSITIVE FOR BANNED SUBSTANCE OSTARINE

 Star boxer Ryan Garcia tested positive for the performance-enhancing substance ostarine the day before and the day of his upset win over Devin Haney last month, per a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association letter sent to all parties Wednesday and obtained by ESPN.

The urine samples were collected prior to the fight, but the results weren't known until later.

Garcia has 10 days to request that his B-sample be tested. Garcia's A-sample also screened positive for 19-norandrosterone, but its presence is unconfirmed until further lab analysis.

"Everybody knows that I don't cheat," Garcia said in a video posted on X. "Never taken a steroid. ... I don't even know where to get steroids. ... I barely take supplements. Big lies, I beat his ass."

Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions said in a statement that it is working with Garcia's team to "determine how this finding came to be."

"Ryan has put out multiple statements denying knowingly using any banned substances -- and we believe him," Golden Boy said in its statement.

Garcia, 25, floored Haney three times and won by majority decision, but that result now stands to be overturned unless the B-sample returns negative, which is rare.

"We learned about this situation not too long ago and it's unfortunate Ryan cheated and disrespected both the fans and the sport of boxing by fighting dirty and breaking positive not once, but twice," Haney said in a statement to ESPN.

"... Ryan owes the fans an apology, and by his recent tweet he still thinks this is a joke. We put our lives on the line to entertain people for a living. You don't play boxing. This puts the fight in a completely different light. Despite the disadvantage, I still fought on my shield and got back up! People die in this sport. This isn't a joking matter."

Garcia (25-1, 20 KOs) also missed weight ahead of the fight, registering 143.2 pounds for the WBC 140-pound title fight. Garcia paid Haney (31-1, 15 KOs) upward of $600,000 for his failure to make weight. It also meant Garcia was ineligible to win the title, though he rose to No. 2 in ESPN's junior welterweight rankings following the major upset.

Haney, who fights out of Las Vegas, remained the junior welterweight champion even in defeat. He fell to No. 4 in ESPN's 140-pound rankings and lost his pound-for-pound recognition after being ranked No. 6 by ESPN going into the fight.

"Safety, fairness, and integrity in professional athletic competition are essential," the New York State Athletic Commission said in a statement to ESPN. "The Commission is in communication with VADA and is reviewing the matter."

Ostarine is a selective androgen receptor modulator that attaches to proteins in the body and effectively tells muscles to grow. It is used to aid performance by helping athletes build muscle mass and enhance their rate of fat loss and also to increase stamina and recovery ability.

It has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list since 2008 and in 2022 was listed as an anabolic agent by WADA.

Ostarine has been used in boxing before. Lucian Bute tested positive for it in 2016 following a draw with Badou Jack in their WBC super middleweight title fight. The result was changed to a DQ win for Jack.

Amir Khan was handed a two-year ban by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) after he tested positive for ostarine following his sixth-round TKO loss to Kell Brook in 2022.

Haney was a -900 favorite, according to ESPN BET, but he closed at -575 after Garcia missed weight. The slick-boxing Haney, the former undisputed lightweight champion, had never been knocked down entering the fight, but Garcia deposited him on the canvas in Rounds 7, 10 and 11 with his lightning-quick left hook to pull out the victory.

The win was a career-altering performance for Garcia, who has never won a world title but boasts a massive social media presence with more than 12 million followers on Instagram. His lone career defeat came via seventh-round TKO vs. Gervonta Davis last April.

Haney defeated future Hall of Famer Vasiliy Lomachenko last May to retain his four 135-pound titles. He made his 140-pound debut in December with a shutout decision victory over Regis Prograis to win the WBC junior welterweight title.

- Mike Coppinger, ESPN

RYAN GARCIA BET ON HIMSELF

 

GERVONTA DAVIS TO RYAN GARCIA

 

BOXING POUND-FOR-POUND RANKINGS: DOWN AND OUT; WHO REPLACES DEVIN HANEY IN THE TOP 10?

Devin Haney, above, is out of the top 10 after losing to Ryan Garcia on April 20. Al Bello/Getty Images

 In one of the most entertaining fights between two of boxing's young stars this year, Ryan Garcia defeated Devin Haney by majority decision Saturday night at a packed Barclays Center in New York City.

Garcia (25-1, 20 KOs) entered the fight surrounded by controversy, erratic comments and questions about his readiness and fitness to fight. To top that, Garcia was 3.2 pounds over the weight limit the day before the bout.

But as soon as the bell rang, Garcia showed his speed and power and wobbled Haney with his trademark left hook to the chin. Haney recovered well, and won the next four rounds in all three judges' scorecards, but Garcia took over the fight in Rounds 6 and 7, connecting 28 power punches while Haney only landed five. Garcia outlanded Haney the rest of the way 50 to 34 and knocked him down three times (Rounds 7, 10 and 11).

"I shouldn't have put too much pressure on myself to stop him, because every time I hurt him, I went crazy and I couldn't stop him," Garcia said after the fight. "I think the ref [Harvey Dock] should've stopped the fight. [Haney] was really hurt. I felt bad, I even looked at [Bill Haney, Devin's father and trainer] to stop the fight."

The loss sends Haney out of the top 10 from his previous spot at No. 6, opening the door for Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez to make his debut in ESPN's P4P rankings. Garcia received a few votes but not enough yet to crack the top 10.

"After the way Garcia was able to break through Haney's defense, and the tremendous power he displayed with three knockdowns, Garcia cracks my top 10," ESPN boxing writer Mike Coppinger, who ranked Garcia at No. 9 on his list, said. "Haney looked untouchable against Regis Prograis. And while Garcia had a weight advantage, he still was able to land flush on Haney's chin with surprising frequency."

Timothy Bradley Jr., a two-division champion, current ESPN boxing analyst and member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, left Haney out of his list after the loss.

"Haney was beaten by a fighter who admittedly was drinking and smoking weeks out before their match," Bradley said. "Someone who was out partying nights before their battle. Someone that has never participated in a championship contest. Haney is talented but is no longer a P4P fighter at the moment."

Our panel of Mike Coppinger, Timothy Bradley Jr., Joe Tessitore, Teddy Atlas, Nick Parkinson, Eric Raskin, Michelle Joy Phelps, Claudia Trejos, Bernardo Osuna, Eric Woodyard, Bernardo Pilatti, Charles Moynihan, Salvador Rodriguez, Jim Zirolli, Michael Mascaro, Aladdin Freeman, Victor Lopez and Damian Delgado Averhoff, shares its votes.

1. TERENCE CRAWFORD     Previous ranking: No. 1

RECORD: 40-0, 31 KOs

DIVISION: Welterweight (undisputed champion)

LAST FIGHT: W (TKO9) Errol Spence Jr., July 29

NEXT FIGHT: Aug. 3 vs. Israil Madrimov

2. NAOYA INOUE     Previous ranking: No. 2

RECORD: 26-0, 23 KOs

DIVISION: Junior featherweight (undisputed champion)

LAST FIGHT: W (KO10) Marlon Tapales, Dec. 26

NEXT FIGHT: May 6 vs. Luis Nery

3. OLEKSANDR USYK     Previous ranking: No. 3

RECORD: 21-0, 14 KOs

DIVISION: Heavyweight (unified champion)

LAST FIGHT: W (TKO9) Daniel Dubois, Aug. 26

NEXT FIGHT: May 18 vs. Tyson Fury

4. CANELO ALVAREZ     Previous ranking: No. 4

RECORD: 60-2-2, 39 KOs

DIVISION: Super middleweight (undisputed champion)

LAST FIGHT: W (UD12) Jermell Charlo, Sept. 30

NEXT FIGHT: May 4 vs. Jaime Munguia

5. DMITRY BIVOL     Previous ranking: No. 5

RECORD: 22-0, 11 KOs

DIVISION: Light heavyweight (champion)

LAST FIGHT: W (UD12) Lyndon Arthur, Dec. 23

NEXT FIGHT: June 1 vs. Artur Beterbiev

6. ARTUR BETERBIEV     Previous ranking: No. 7

RECORD: 20-0, 20 KOs

DIVISION: Light heavyweight (unified champion)

LAST FIGHT: W (TKO7) Callum Smith, Jan. 13

NEXT FIGHT: June 1 vs. Dmitry Bivol

7. GERVONTA DAVIS     Previous ranking: No. 8

RECORD: 29-0, 27 KOs

DIVISION: Lightweight

LAST FIGHT: W (KO7) Ryan Garcia, April 22

NEXT FIGHT: June 15 vs. Frank Martin

8. SHAKUR STEVENSON     Previous ranking: No. 9

RECORD: 21-0, 10 KOs

DIVISION: Lightweight champion

LAST FIGHT: W (UD12) Edwin De Los Santos, Nov. 16

NEXT FIGHT: July 6 vs. Artem Harutyunyan

9. TYSON FURY     Previous ranking: No. 10

RECORD: 34-0-1, 24 KOs

DIVISION: Heavyweight (champion)

LAST FIGHT: W (SD10) Francis Ngannou, Oct. 28

NEXT FIGHT: May 18 vs. Oleksandr Usyk

10. JESSE "BAM" RODRIGUEZ     Previous ranking: Not ranked

RECORD: 19-0, 12 KOs

DIVISION: Flyweight (champion)

LAST FIGHT: W (TKO9) Sunny Edwards, Dec. 16

NEXT FIGHT: June 29 vs. Juan Francisco Estrada

The formula

The rankings are based on a descending points system, with a first-place vote awarding 10 points, a second-place vote awarding nine points, and so on. A tie goes to the fighter with the highest ranking, then the one with the most votes at that ranking.

Others receiving votes: Teofimo Lopez Jr. (20), David Benavidez (11), Vasiliy Lomachenko (5), Devin Haney (4), Ryan Garcia (3), Emanuel Navarrete (3), Errol Spence Jr. (2), Junto Nakatani (2).

How our writers voted

Atlas: 1. Crawford, 2. Inoue, 3. Bivol, 4. Usyk, 5. Davis, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Lomachenko, 8. Alvarez, 9.Benavidez, 10. Haney

Bradley: 1. Crawford, 2. Inoue, 3: Usyk, 4. Bivol, 5. Alvarez, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Stevenson, 8. Davis, 9. Rodriguez, 10. Lopez Jr.

Coppinger: 1. Crawford, 2. Inoue, 3. Usyk, 4. Bivol, 5. Alvarez, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Davis, 8. Fury, 9. Garcia, 10. Haney

Tessitore: 1. Crawford, 2. Inoue, 3. Usyk, 4. Beterbiev, 5. Bivol, 6. Stevenson, 7. Alvarez, 8. Rodriguez, 9. Lopez, 10. Davis

Parkinson: 1. Inoue, 2. Crawford, 3. Alvarez, 4. Usyk, 5. Beterbiev, 6. Bivol, 7. Davis, 8. Rodriguez, 9. Nakatani, 10. Lopez

Raskin: 1. Crawford, 2. Inoue, 3. Bivol, 4. Alvarez, 5. Usyk, 6. Stevenson, 7. Davis, 8. Benavidez, 9. Beterbiev, 10. Rodriguez

Trejos: 1. Crawford, 2. Inoue, 3. Usyk, 4. Alvarez, 5. Bivol, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Davis, 8. Stevenson, 9. Fury, 10. Garcia

Phelps: 1. Crawford, 2. Inoue, 3. Usyk, 4. Alvarez, 5. Bivol, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Davis, 8. Stevenson, 9. Fury, 10. Garcia

Osuna: 1. Crawford, 2. Inoue, 3. Usyk, 4. Bivol, 5. Alvarez, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Rodriguez, 8. Stevenson, 9. Lopez, 10. Davis

Rodriguez: 1. Inoue, 2. Crawford, 3. Alvarez, 4. Usyk, 5. Bivol, 6. Davis, 7. Beterbiev, 8. Fury, 9. Rodriguez, 10. Stevenson

Woodyard: 1. Crawford, 2. Inoue, 3. Alvarez, 4. Davis, 5. Fury, 6. Lopez, 7. Usyk, 8. Stevenson, 9. Bivol, 10. Beterbiev

Moynihan: 1. Crawford, 2. Inoue, 3. Alvarez, 4. Usyk, 5. Beterbiev, 6. Bivol, 7. Davis, 8. Fury, 9. Spence, 10. Stevenson

Pilatti: 1. Inoue, 2. Crawford, 3. Usyk, 4. Bivol, 5. Beterbiev, 6. Davis, 7. Benavidez, 8. Navarrete, 9. Rodriguez, 10. Fury

Zirolli: 1. Crawford, 2. Inoue, 3. Stevenson, 4. Alvarez, 5. Usyk, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Bivol, 8. Lopez, 9. Benavidez, 10. Rodriguez

Mascaro: 1. Crawford, 2. Inoue, 3. Usyk, 4. Beterbiev, 5. Bivol, 6. Alvarez, 7. Rodriguez, 8. Lopez, 9. Stevenson, 10. Haney

Freeman: 1. Crawford, 2. Inoue, 3. Usyk, 4. Beterbiev, 5. Bivol, 6. Alvarez, 7. Stevenson, 8. Rodriguez, 9. Davis, 10. Lomachenko

Lopez: 1. Crawford, 2. Inoue, 3. Usyk, 4. Alvarez, 5. Bivol, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Davis, 8. Fury, 9. Stevenson, 10. Rodriguez

Delgado Averhof: 1. Crawford, 2. Inoue, 3. Usyk, 4. Bivol, 5. Alvarez, 6. Beterbiev, 7. Davis, 8. Fury, 9. Rodriguez, 10. Stevenson

ESPN experts' poll

First place: Crawford (15), Inoue (3)

Second place: Inoue (14), Crawford (3), Alvarez (1)

Third place: Usyk (10), Alvarez (4), Bivol (2), Inoue (1), Stevenson (1)

Fourth place: Bivol (5), Usyk (4), Alvarez (4), Beterbiev (4), Davis (1)

Fifth place: Bivol (7), Alvarez (4), Beterbiev (3), Usyk (2), Davis (1), Fury (1)

Sixth place: Beterbiev (8), Bivol (2), Alvarez (2), Davis (2), Stevenson (2), Fury (1), Lopez (1)

Seventh place: Davis (7), Usyk (2), Stevenson (2), Rodriguez (2), Bivol (1), Alvarez (1), Beterbiev (1), Benavidez (1), Lomachenko (1)

Eighth place: Fury (5), Stevenson (3), Rodriguez (3), Lopez (3), Alvarez (1), Davis (1), Benavidez (1), Navarrete (1)

Ninth place: Rodriguez (4), Davis (2), Stevenson (2), Lopez (2), Benavidez (2), Bivol (1), Beterbiev (1), Fury (1), Spence (1), Garcia (1), Nakatani (1)

10th place: Haney (4), Stevenson (3), Rodriguez (3), Davis (2), Lopez (2), Beterbiev (1), Fury (1), Lomachenko (1), Garcia (1)

- ESPN 

FULL FIGHT HD | DEVIN HANEY VS. RYAN GARCIA

 

DEVIN HANEY VS. RYAN GARCIA | FULL CARD FLIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS

ONCE COUNTED OUT, GARCIA NOW 'CALLING ALL THE SHOTS' - WHAT ABOUT HANEY?

Ryan Garcia, center, celebrates his victory with his promoters Oscar De La Hoya, left, and Bernard Hopkins. CRIS ESQUEDA/Golden Boy

 NEW YORK -- Ryan Garcia was laughed at, mocked and called a clown by Devin Haney. At no time during the lead-up to his fight with one of the pound-for-pound best was Garcia taken seriously.

That is, until the opening minute of Saturday's fight, when he rocked Haney with one of his blinding left hooks. Right then and there it was clear: For all of Garcia's wild antics, and they were plentiful, he was more than game.

This despite the fact Garcia admitted he drank alcohol during training camp and was even seen shirtless at a New York club the Monday evening of fight week. Haney, on the other hand, is regarded by boxing industry insiders as one of the most disciplined fighters in the sport.

"[Ryan] is calling all the shots. If anybody wants to make money, they have to fight Ryan."

Osca De La Hoya

But Garcia (25-1, 20 KOs) owns the great equalizer with his hands that are as heavy as they are quick. There were questions about Haney's chin, but he had never been knocked down in 31 previous pro fights. Garcia, 25, proceeded to plant him on the canvas three times (Rounds 7, 10 and 11). He hurt Haney (31-1, 15 KOs) on several other occasions, too.

Garcia prevailed by majority decision (112-112, 115-109 and 114-110) in the biggest win of his career, and his promoter Oscar De La Hoya said his fighter is now "calling all the shots. If anybody wants to make money, they have to fight Ryan."

Haney, meanwhile, remains the WBC junior welterweight champion in defeat after Garcia missed the 140-pound limit Friday by 3.2 pounds. But his No. 6 ranking on ESPN's pound-for-pound list? Vanquished. And if a rematch is going to happen, it seems destined to take place at 147 pounds after Garcia said he would campaign at welterweight going forward.

He even mentioned a shot at Sebastian Fundora, the 6-foot-6 champion at 154 pounds. When you score the sort of major upset Garcia pulled off, all sorts of possibilities that seemed outlandish mere hours earlier are now in play. Especially when you consider Garcia's incredible star power with 18 million-plus social media followers.

A rematch with Gervonta Davis, who scored a seventh-round KO of Garcia in last April's superfight, is an intriguing option if Davis defeats Frank Martin on June 15. However, that bout is for Davis' 135-pound title. De La Hoya said he would entertain a rematch at a 145-pound catchweight. Davis-Garcia was fought at a 136-pound catchweight with a same-day rehydration clause where 146 pounds couldn't be exceeded.

"I had no mind; I was dehydrated. It was really bad," Garcia, who entered the bout rated No. 9 by ESPN at 140 pounds, said regarding that weight cut. "I should have actually died cutting that weight. I should have really, but God protected me because I was blistering out of my mouth. I had no spit. It hurt every day to make that weight. I was shaking in the bed."

It was expected the title would become vacant, but WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman mentioned precedent with the 2005 rematch between Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo. Corrales stopped Castillo in the historic first meeting but was knocked out in Round 4 of the second bout after Castillo was overweight for the WBC lightweight title bout.

Haney is in line for a step back in opposition after the brutal nature of the fight -- his cheeks were badly swollen -- along with the torrid run he has been on. The 25-year-old twice traveled to Australia to defeat George Kambosos Jr. in 2022.

Last year, Haney outpointed future Hall of Famer Vasiliy Lomachenko to retain his undisputed lightweight championship, then moved up to 140 pounds in December to shut out Regis Prograis for a second division title.

Like Garcia, Haney, too, endured a challenging weight cut and could move up to welterweight. If he remains at 140 pounds, Haney could fight his mandatory challenger, Sandor Martin, the Spaniard who sent Mikey Garcia into retirement with a major upset win in 2021 and then dropped a controversial decision to Teofimo Lopez the following year.

Whatever Haney does next -- title or not -- it's clear that De La Hoya is right: Garcia is the one now calling the shots.

- Mike Coppinger, ESPN

GERVONTA DAVIS VS. RYAN GARCIA | POST FIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE

GERVONTA DAVIS ' TEAM VS. RYAN GARCIA'S TEAM ON REQUIREMENTS BEFORE THE BOUT

GERVONTA DAVIS KNOCKSOUT RYAN GARCIA IN THE SEVENTH ROUND

Garcia lunges into the pocket and throws a flurry of punches with Davis trapped in the corner but none of them land. 

Davis then lands a devastating straight left hand to the ribs in the center of the ring that sends Garcia reeling backwards and down to one knee. 

Davis stays there and referee Thomas Taylor gives the count ... and he doesn’t beat it! Taylor reaches 10 and waves it off. Gervonta Davis wins by knockout!

The Guardian.

RYAN GARCIA LOCKER ROOM