Ryan Garcia continues to raise concerns ahead of Devin Haney clash
Super lightweight contender Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) posts a bizarre video on X that has now gone viral, with over 10 million views.
The video – posted yesterday with the caption: “clearing things up” – has led many people to speculate that his next fight against Devin Haney will not go ahead.
On X, he said: “I’m not in possession of my phone, I can’t get access to my Instagram, my cards are locked, and I’m being real taken advantage [of].
“I personally want to send out a video to the people that love me, and my fans. I’m okay; I’m not dead, I believe in Jesus – all those are lies.
“They’re trying to put me in jail, they’re blocking my cards, I can’t access my money, nobody’s hitting me back. I don’t know what’s going on but just know I’m okay.”
The 25-year-old is set to challenge his former amateur foe, Haney, for the WBC title at 140 lbs, taking place at the Barclays Center, Brooklyn, on April 20.
However, Garcia’s erratic behaviour over the past few days has put the showdown in jeopardy.
At their opening press conference, the social media star admitted to drinking alcohol and smoking weed, giving his unbeaten opponent plenty of ammunition to fire back.
This followed Haney’s claims that Garcia takes cocaine, to which the American responded saying that he is open to doing a drug test to prove that he does not.
While he should be in training camp with his new coach, Derrick James, the video on X raises concerns over Garcia’s professionalism as he heads into this upcoming bout.
There is a chance that much of his social media posts are fabricated, and merely designed to promote the fight or lure his opponent into a false sense of security.
But, given his openness to discuss previous battles with anxiety, it is equally important to handle the situation with caution.