Haney vs. Garcia: Expert Betting Tips

Two rising stars meet this weekend as Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia clash for the first time in the professional ranks, with the former defending his WBC super lightweight title.

Haney and Garcia are old foes, however, having met four times during their respective amateur careers. Each man claimed two wins but Haney won their most recent bout, and he has enjoyed a far more impressive career as a professional so far.

Haney unified the lightweight division by taking down Australia’s George Kambosos Jr and has wins over Jorge Linares and Ukrainian superstar Vasyl Lomachenkko on his CV.

‘The Dream’ is unbeaten after 31 fights and has 15 victories inside the distance, while Garcia is 24-1 but has stopped 20 of his opponents.

Garcia’s career looked set to take off when he stopped Olympic gold medal winner Luke Campbell in the seventh round to become the interim WBC lightweight champion.

That win set him on a collision course with the then WBC lightweight champion Haney, but Garcia pulled out of his next fight due to issues outside of the ring and, as such, Saturday’s bout is his first genuine world title fight.

‘King Ry’ fell short in his first real test against elite-level opposition as he was stopped by Gervonta Davis in the seventh round in April 2023, although he has since claimed a comeback win over quality opposition in the shape of Oscar Duarte Jurado.

Don’t expect early fireworks in Brooklyn

This may be the fifth time Haney and Garcia have met in the ring but both fighters will probably be looking to feel each other out in the opening rounds.

The last meeting came way back in 2015, so any familiarity they once had with one another’s styles is now largely irrelevant as both are now experienced professionals. Garcia may try and force the issue early on as the heavier hitter of the two but Haney is an exceptional defensive boxer and will look to dictate the pace from the off so, in all likelihood, this could be a slow burner.

Tip 1 – Over 10.5 rounds at 11/25

Haney is very much of the ‘hit and don’t get hit’ school of boxing and in the majority of his bouts he has largely looked in control throughout, aside from his win over Lomachenko.

Garcia’s one defeat was a stoppage loss against Gervonta Davis but he is a power puncher and an all-action type of fighter so Haney represents a very different kind of test.

This is a huge bout for both fighters as Haney has an unbeaten record to protect and this is Garcia’s first chance to become a bonafide world champion – with so much on the line neither will want to take any big risks early on and over 10.5 rounds looks a solid bet.

Tip 2 – Devin Haney to win by KO/TKO at 15/8

Haney is the overwhelming favourite going into this bout due to his superior record and concerns over Garcia’s focus. ‘The Dream’ isn’t a knockout specialist and only 15 of his 31 wins have come inside the distance, while all of his world title fights have been unanimous decision successes.

On paper the most likely outcome is a Haney win on points and the odds reflect that – but it could be worth taking the risk in backing him to claim a KO or TKO win as Garcia has shown a few vulnerabilities in the past.

Garcia was stopped in the seventh round as a Davis body shot proved to be too much for him – but there were a few pundits who felt he could have survived that punch. He was also sent to the canvas by Campbell in the second round but recovered and Haney does have the power to end contests early.

Haney scored a knockdown against the durable Regis Prograis in his last outing and may get the opportunity to finish this one himself without needing the judges if Garcia does start to take a few risks in the second half of the fight.

Tip 3 – Round 12 winning round at 20/1

Backing either fighter to win in round 12 looks an interesting option here as an outside bet at 20/1.

Haney has the ability to control the fight and would clearly be happy to claim a points win – but Garcia’s power will mean he is always a threat. If Haney does have an obvious lead going into the final round there is a chance the challenger could throw caution to the wind and go all out for a stoppage.

Backing either fighter to win in round 12 covers the prospect that Garcia does land with something meaningful, or the more likely scenario of Haney finishing the job early with a slick counter.