The highly anticipated matchup between WBC light welterweight champion Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia fell short of expectations. Despite the hype surrounding the fight, the absence of Haney’s title on the line due to his failure to make weight took away from the significance of the bout. This not only disappointed fans but also devalued the outcome of the fight. Additionally, the $69.99 price tag for the event was steep considering the circumstances surrounding Haney’s disqualification from defending his belt.
The undercard fights, including the non-competitive bout between Charles Conwell and Nathaniel Gallimore, failed to deliver excitement to the audience. Conwell’s dominance over Gallimore made the matchup one-sided and unentertaining. The lack of competitive spirit in the fight raised questions about Golden Boy’s matchmaking decisions, as Conwell’s easy victory did little to showcase his skills as a rising star in the boxing world.
In the preliminary card, Sergiy Derevyanchenko’s victory over Vaughn Alexander was marred by questionable refereeing decisions. Despite Derevyanchenko’s clear dominance in the fight, the referee’s handling of the knockdown and subsequent delay in restarting the action raised concerns about the fairness of the match. The judges’ unanimous decision in favor of Derevyanchenko seemed to overshadow the controversial moments in the bout.
Ryan Garcia’s chance to shine in the absence of Haney’s title defense was hindered by the circumstances surrounding the fight. While Garcia had the opportunity to make a statement against Haney, the lack of a title on the line diminished the significance of his potential victory. The disappointment of fans and the boxing community in the outcome of the match highlighted the missed opportunity for Garcia to solidify his status as a top contender in the division.
The boxing matchup between Haney and Garcia failed to live up to expectations due to a combination of factors, including the absence of Haney’s title, uncompetitive undercard fights, questionable refereeing decisions, and missed opportunities for the fighters. The underwhelming nature of the event left fans and critics questioning the value of the PPV price and the overall experience of the fight night. Moving forward, it is essential for promoters and boxing organizations to address the issues that detracted from the excitement and competitiveness of the matchups to ensure a more engaging and compelling viewing experience for fans.