Devin Haney filed a lawsuit against Ryan Garcia on Friday alleging battery, fraud and unjust enrichment while demanding a full review for their April 20 fight that was ruled a no-contest, per Lance Pugmire of BoxingScene.
Garcia initially earned a majority decision win against Haney, knocking him down three times. However, Garcia was suspended for one year and the bout was later converted to a no-contest after he tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug ostarine.
Garcia’s promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, was also named in the lawsuit.
Haney’s lawsuit also brings up Garcia missing weight by 3.2 pounds ahead of the fight, making him ineligible to win the WBC junior welterweight title. In June, Haney was eventually moved to “champion in recess” after telling the World Boxing Council that he was “physically, mentally and emotionally” unfit to defend his 140-pound belt, per Pugmire.
Pat English, Haney’s attorney, wrote that the boxer is seeking punitive damages in the 16-page filing.
“At no time did Devin Haney consent to engage in a bout against a boxer who was positive for a performance-enhancing drug, performance enhancing-procedure or masking agent and would not have proceeded with the bout had he known,” English wrote in the lawsuit, via Pugmire.
Garcia forfeited his disclosed purse of $1.2 million for the fight after he was suspended but his guaranteed earnings were “millions more,” according to ESPN’s Mike Coppinger.
“Ryan Garcia additionally received millions of dollars to which he was not entitled,” English wrote in the suit, per Pugmire. “It is against equity and good conscience to permit Ryan Garcia to retain what is sought to be recovered in this action.”
Haney’s father and trainer, Bill, said on Friday that his son would still accept a rematch with Garcia as long as the purse money is acceptable and his opponent is subject to drug-testing screening.
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