We're not even through the press tour and there are already doubts over whether or not WBC super lightweight champ Devin Haney and challenger Ryan Garcia will fight on April 20 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
MORE: All you need to know about Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia
The cynicism hasn't anything to do with injuries or contract disputes — you know, the regular fight-stoppers. No, this scenario is a little different. On Wednesday evening, Garcia took part in an Instagram live video, during which he claimed to be "high as f---!"
Given that the fight is less than two months away, this is not the type of behavior one would expect from a serious world title challenger.
Subsequently, Haney, a staunch professional, dutifully informed his social media following that he would no longer take part in the promotion.
"I’m not going to that [Los Angeles] press conference tomorrow," said the former undisputed lightweight champion via Twitter (X). "This dude Ryan wasting mine and everybody’s time foh."
It doesn't look good, does it?
The Sporting News takes a look at all the craziness surrounding Haney vs. Garcia
Was Ryan Garcia high?
Well, if "KingRy" wasn’t high, then he’s a very good actor.
In a variety of audio clips available on social media, which are apparently taken from the Instagram Live, the 25-year-old contender can be heard slurring his words, while justifying his current lifestyle.
"I box, smoke weed, drink, and I'm the best," he reportedly told a fan, via TalkSport's Michael Benson.
Draw your own conclusions.
Garcia responded to the negative attention that his words drew with a video of him pounding the streets on Thursday, seemingly to reinforce that he is taking his training seriously.
Will Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia happen?
We've seen fights fall apart for less. This bout is being marketed as a super fight by Golden Boy Promotions, Matchroom and DAZN. We’re still weeks away and chaos – the kind you don’t want – has ensued already.
One of the participants openly disclosing that he's "high" creates a variety of problems. Firstly, DAZN will not want their company brought into disrepute. Secondly, this is a WBC title fight and Garcia will be required to undertake drug testing.
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