Tale of the Tape: Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia

Here, we look at how Devin Haney, one of the world's top pound-for-pound fighters, stacks up against 140-pound challenger Ryan Garcia ahead of Saturday's big fight. Odds courtesy of theScore Bet.

One of the most anticipated showdowns between two of boxing's brightest stars goes down at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn when undefeated junior welterweight champion Haney takes on a polarizing sensation in Garcia. The bout was supposed to be for Haney's title, but Garcia is ineligible to capture the belt because he failed to make weight.

There has been quite a media circus surrounding the two competitors, including a fiery press conference in February in which Haney and his camp accused Garcia of using cocaine. The fighters fired expletives at each other during an intense face off at the event.

The public has also questioned Garcia's mental health in recent months following strange social media behavior by him. However, Haney and his father and trainer, Bill Haney, believe it's an act.

"April 20, the fight is on - Devin Haney versus Ryan Garcia. No matter how many distractions, no matter the antics Ryan has displayed, I know the kid ain't crazy," the elder Haney told FightHype.com in March.

Outside of all the antics and talk, Haney and Garcia have a long history, making Saturday's fight more compelling. Both are 25 years old and have fought in the amateurs on six occasions, each fighter winning three bouts. Saturday will be their first time meeting as pros.

Since joining the pro ranks, Haney has skyrocketed through the lightweight division, becoming an undisputed titleholder by beating the top fighters. He moved up to 140 pounds last December and won another title. Haney is widely regarded as one of boxing's slickest fighters, although his lack of power is a constant topic of conversation before his bouts. The California native has 15 knockouts in 31 outings and his last eight fights have gone to decisions.

Nonetheless, "The Dream" is a top pound-for-pound fighter, with his latest victories against Regis Prograis, Vasiliy Lomachenko, and George Kambosos Jr. twice.

Garcia is known as an offensively gifted fighter with a strong left hook. However, he has a reputation as a questionable defender, which was apparent during his April 2023 loss to Gervonta Davis. Garcia couldn't recover from a vicious left hook in that bout after leaving his kidney exposed.

"King Ry" switched trainers following the Davis loss. He's now working with famed coach Derrick James, who assisted Garcia before his eighth-round knockout victory over Oscar Duarte last December.

Despite Garcia's flare for the dramatic, Haney is walking into this title fight as a heavy favorite at -900 odds to remain undefeated.

Saturday's fight has been a long time coming. Will Haney continue his dominance and path toward boxing's Hall of Fame? Or will Garcia overcome all the obstacles in front of him?

Boxing fans everywhere will find out this weekend.