Hollywood Swinging

Hollywood’s Swinging As Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia Face Off

(Photos by Al Applerose)

Story By Uppercut Staff

HOLLYWOOD, Ca.-Boxing is entertainment and Hollywood is the entertainment capital of the world.

Ryan “King Ry” Garcia led his colorful female entourage and army of fans to the historic Avalon Theater while riding a big white horse on Thursday.

It was the kickoff to a showdown with longtime boxing nemesis Devin “the Dream” Haney who happens to be the former undisputed lightweight world champion and now the current WBC super lightweight titlist.

Haney (31-0, 15 Kos) will defend the WBC title against Garcia (24-1, 20 Kos) on Saturday April 20, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The Golden Boy and Matchroom Boxing Promotions card will be streamed by DAZN pay-per-view.

Both fighters are very familiar with each other through the USA amateur boxing program. As youths they met each other six times and split three wins apiece. Now they meet as professionals and Haney has the world title that Garcia wants.

"I have respect for Ryan. We shared the ring six times as kids, we came up together,” said Haney.

Garcia has the fan support and the box office clout to go along with one of the deadliest left hooks since a guy named Oscar De La Hoya fought. Yes, that’s the head of Golden Boy Promotions.

In Garcia’s last fight he carefully navigated through seven rounds against knockout puncher Oscar Duarte before unleashing a blistering attack that left the Mexican fighter helpless. It was a savage ending.  

“Everything that I have today, I earned it. Nobody gave me a handout, I never had money. I'm really a small-town boy and I am just growing into a man," said Garcia.

Haney lives and fights out of Las Vegas and has not hesitated to face the best competition possible to reach his current status as one of the smoothest and most skillful fighters in the world.

Last December, Haney challenged the much-feared Regis Prograis for the WBC title and dominated the fight with a skillful attack over 12 rounds. It was a shocking result, not because he won, but how effortlessly it looked for the slender fighter.

Brooklyn was chosen as the site in a surprising move. Why? Because both are West Coast fighters. But New York City has always been a boxing haven for over a century.

De La Hoya, the head of Golden Boy Promotions, said the two rivals have been headed to this collision for years.

“They fought six times in the amateurs with both of them winning three apiece. Now they meet with championship gold and the chance at being the face of American boxing on the line. In other words, this one counts," said De La Hoya.

From Hollywood to Brooklyn on April 20.