Eddie Hearn: Garcia Win Was Close, But Knockdowns Decisive

Devin Haney’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, felt that his loss to Ryan Garcia was a close one last Saturday night.

Hearn said that Ryan (25-1, 20 KOs) didn’t win many rounds apart from the three that he scored knockdowns, but the problem for Haney (31-1, 15 KOs) was that he was dropped so many times.

Knockdowns Decisive Despite Haney’s Heart

“I thought it was a really close fight. If you had to pick a winner, I thought Ryan Garcia, but it was pretty close,” said promoter Eddie Hearn to the media about Ryan’s win over Devin Haney.

Haney’s ability couldn’t overcome the three knockdowns. He was fighting well, but he came undone when he was repeatedly dropped by Ryan. After the first knockdown in the seventh, Haney unraveled completely and was getting pounded by a confident-looking Ryan.

The three knockdowns, including Haney being hurt in round one, were too much for him to make up to earn a decision. Ryan earned a 12-round majority decision, with one judge scoring it 112-112.

Hearn would like to see a rematch between Ryan and Haney. If Ryan can’t come down to 140, 147 would be a possibility.

If Ryan can’t make 140, Hearn would like to see him challenge Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis for his IBF welterweight title. Hearn recently signed Boots Ennis (31-0, 28 KOs) to his Matchroom Boxing stable, and he’s trying to get the biggest fights possible to turn him into a star.

“I didn’t give Ryan many rounds outside of the knockdowns, but the problem was, there was three of them,” said Hearn. “It’s very difficult to win a fight when there is three knockdowns. It’s a devasting loss, but he’ll bounce back.

Boots vs. Garcia: A Potential Blockbuster

“He’s a good kid, he works hard and he has a good soul. He’s a great fighter and he’ll be back,” said Hearn about Haney. “Look, Devin can move to 147, but if Henry [Garcia] is serious, I’d love to make Boots vs. Ryan Garcia for the world title.”