Ryan Garcia vs. Isaac Cruz and Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez will be fighting in a doubleheader on DAZN PPV in May in Times Square, New York. This will be one of Turki Al-Sheikh’s massive cards and will set the table for the October rematch between Ryan and Haney in Riyadh.
Doubleheader in May
Kingry (24-1, 20 KOs) has got the easier fight going up against former WBA light welterweight champion ‘Pitbull’ Cruz (26-3-1, 18 KOs). While it’s not an easy fight for Ryan, it’s less risky than the one Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) deals with, taking on former WBC and WBO 140-lb champion Jose Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs).
Devin is taking on a really good fighter in 2012 Olympian, Ramirez, 32, and there’s a good chance that he’ll lose to this guy because he can punch and has excellent technical skills. However, Turki likely won’t care if Haney gets it because he has a different philosophy about sticking with fighters who lose. Fans will still want to see Garcia-Haney rematch in October, regardless of what happens to Haney against Ramirez.
“Sources have revealed plans for a May function at TIMES SQUARE 🗽🍎 and outdoors, including Ryan Garcia-Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, Devin Haney-Jose Ramirez, as part of the launch of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves from SNK and Ring Magazine #ESPNKnockOut,” said Salvador Rodriguez on X.
The reactions from fans on social media are mixed about these two fights. Most would rather see Ryan fighting Haney straightaway rather than taking a tune-up first. But in Haney’s case, he must reestablish his credibility first by beating a top-tier fighter at 140 because he got whooped so badly by Ryan.
It’s that one-sided of a fight; there’s no point in a rematch other than for business purposes. If Haney can prove himself against Jose Ramirez, he’ll show boxing fans that Garcia hasn’t ruined his chin, and he’s worthy of a rematch.
I don’t see Haney winning this fight against Ramirez because this guy isn’t Regis Prograis. He actually has talent and will put him under the gun from the opening round, going after his Swiss cheese chin, looking to finish what Ryan started.
If Turki is still good with making the Haney-Garcia fight with Devin getting obliterated by Ramirez, that’s fine. Fans still want to see the rematch for entertainment purposes, but the oddsmakers would have Ryan a huge favorite.