Brooklyn will host a clash between two rivals when Devin Haney defends the WBC super lightweight title against Ryan Garcia on April 20. The fight will be broadcast on DAZN PPV around the world.
Haney and Garcia fought at the amateur level six times, with the series tied 3-3. Since they were about ten years old, both fighters, now 25, have followed different paths in boxing, only to return to each other all these years later.
Haney became the undisputed lightweight champion, dethroning George Kambosos Jr. in Australia. He then outpointed former lightweight king Vasiliy Lomachenko in a close contest. Changing weights, he surpassed Regis Prograis to become a two-pision champion.
Garcia’s path to popularity in boxing comes from social media and his quick hands. His most impressive victory to date has been against Luke Campbell. Mental health issues and injuries delayed big fights. “KingRy” had his superstar moment when he faced Gervonta Davis in April 2023, losing after brutal body shots.
LOOK: Devin Haney vs. Ryan García, live on DAZN
The fight is Garcia’s second in front of what many expect to be a massive audience. One game Haney is set to face Garcia, and although the run-up to the contest has been strange, fight fans are hoping for some fireworks.
By MGM Bet, Haney is the -800 favorite, while Garcia is the +550 underdog. Garcia’s questionable social media posts and his mentality heading into the fight do not help his cause. However, can he defy the odds and pull off a huge upset inside the Barclays Center?
The Jugo Mobile looks at some unique and valuable prop bets for this super lightweight title fight.
Prop bets for Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia
1. Will the fight last the full 12 rounds? (Yes: -200 per MGM Bet)
Garcia is known for his knockout power, with 20 victories via power punch. Haney has 15 wins by knockout, but is known for his patience. And as we all learned in school, patience is a virtue.
When Haney fights, it’s like you’re watching a master of the sweet science at work. He slides with every move, countering an opponent and hitting them with powerful blows. Meanwhile, he manages to dodge his opponent’s sharp shots. The opposition has the third lowest total hookup percentage in boxing at 19.2%. It’s hard to label it.
Garcia’s ability to throw quick punches is one of his best traits. Working with Derrick James, one of the best trainers in the business, could make him a patient fighter when needed if he listens. Garcia could also provoke Haney until the time is right. One mistake against Haney and it was all over. Perhaps he would be interested in a game that would test his and Haney’s patience.
A knockout is possible, but the long-distance fight makes more sense.
2. Gone in 60 seconds: Haney will win in 60 seconds (+12500 per MGM Bet)
Yes, this contradicts the first prop bet of the fight to the end. However, in this fight there is a promise at stake. That could lead to a unique turn of events.
Haney hasn’t recorded a stoppage victory since 2019. However, Haney has been more aggressive with his shots lately. Haney connected on 110 of 405 shots against Vasiliy Lomachenko and 129 of 367 against Regis Prograis. Before that, he connected on 202 of 487 shots in a rematch against George Kambosos Jr.
Now, he includes his new aggressiveness in the bet. Haney (mostly his father) and Garcia agreed that if Haney won by first-round knockout, Garcia would retire. Given Garcia’s recent mentality and his lack of control in the ring compared to Haney, the latter could turn things around and act as the aggressor.
It would be a quick fight with an epic ending.
