The controversy surrounding the first fight has only intensified public interest, creating a massive demand for a definitive resolution.
Alas, boxing has always been a sport filled with drama, not just inside the ring but outside of it.
The ongoing legal battle between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia is the latest example of how quickly fights can shift from the squared circle to the courtroom.
Rarely among young star boxers themselves however, which is not good for the sport.
But while lawsuits between two top-tier athletes might grab headlines in other sports, they rarely lead to the kind of legacy-defining moments or financial windfalls that a rematch in the ring could offer.
They need to think about this and be smart, and think big.
The 2024 fight between Haney and Garcia, though initially marred by controversy, has set the stage for something far more compelling: a rematch in 2025.
One that could become one of the biggest events in boxing history.
As legal proceedings unfold, both fighters should consider an out of court settlement and way more lucrative alternative that benefits everyone involve.
Specifically themselves, first and foremost.
A blockbuster second bout that could net them far more than any lawsuit ever could.
The lawsuits currently embroiling Haney and Garcia are a prime example of how boxers can get lost in legal wrangling.
Even if one fighter “wins” in court, the victory will likely be a hollow one.
Financial settlements or legal victories don’t capture the public’s imagination the way a fight does, and they certainly don’t pay as well.
Boxing is a business, and the real money lies in the ring.
Every dollar spent on legal fees could be better used in training camps, promotional efforts, and investments in their respective careers.
More importantly, legal battles distract from what both fighters do best — boxing.
While they sit through depositions and court appearances, their skills risk stagnating, and the public’s interest could wane, too.
Lawsuits might keep their names in the headlines, but they won’t add to their legacy in the same way a high-profile rematch could.
Rather than dragging each other through the courts, Haney and Garcia have a golden opportunity to capitalize on the drama surrounding their first fight by setting up a 2025 rematch.
This second bout could be even bigger than the first, especially considering the narrative that has emerged in the wake of the 2024 fight.
The controversy over Garcia’s PED test, combined with the no contest ruling, has created an aura of unfinished business that fans are dying to see resolved.
Timing is everything in boxing, and Garcia’s suspension will conveniently end in 2025.
By then, anticipation for his return to the ring will be sky-high.
Fans will be eager to see whether Garcia can redeem himself after the PED controversy and whether Haney can cement his dominance once and for all.
The drama surrounding the first fight adds layers of intrigue to the rematch, making it a must-watch event for boxing fans and casual viewers alike.
From a financial perspective, a 2025 rematch between Haney and Garcia has the potential to generate far more money than any lawsuit ever could.
With pay-per-view sales, live gate revenues, and sponsorship deals, both fighters stand to make millions.
The first fight already garnered significant attention, but the rematch, with all its added controversy and stakes, could draw an even larger audience.
In boxing, controversy sells.
Finally, beyond the money, a rematch in 2025 would offer both fighters something far more valuable: the chance to define their legacies.
Boxing history is full of great rivalries—Ali vs. Frazier, Pacquiao vs. Marquez, Leonard vs. Duran.
These rivalries became legendary not just because of the fights themselves, but because of the narratives that unfolded around them.
Rivalries sell in boxing. Fighters need one another.
Haney vs. Garcia has the potential to join that pantheon of great boxing rivalries if a rematch can be made, but only if they settle their differences in the ring.
No matter how skilled they are, boxers are ultimately remembered for their biggest fights.
A court victory, while personally satisfying, doesn’t inspire future generations of fighters or create iconic moments in sports history.
A rematch does that for both.
