STWF Sports | Nov. 23, 2025 – Ryan Garcia may not have been in the ring on Saturday night, but he still walked away a big winner — thanks to longtime rival Devin Haney. The former lightweight sensation pocketed a hefty $93,000 payout after wagering $50,000 on Haney to defeat Brian Norman Jr. and claim the WBO welterweight title.

Haney delivered a composed, clinical performance en route to a unanimous decision, validating Garcia’s bold bet — and reigniting discussion of their simmering rivalry.

Garcia wasted no time posting about the win.
“The Dream!!! Bill’s game plan never fails. Too slick, too fast, too fly. My 50k locked in,” Garcia wrote on social media. “Norman is way too stiff and inexperienced. I called it a while ago. Congratulations, Devin, great performance. Let the stars align.”

And the stars may indeed be aligning — for a potential blockbuster rematch fans have been clamoring for.

Haney Claims WBO Crown; Garcia Targets His Own Belt

With his victory over Norman Jr., the 25-year-old Haney becomes a world champion in his third weight class. Garcia is hoping to match that momentum quickly. The 27-year-old has officially signed to fight Mario Barrios on February 21 for the WBC welterweight title.

If Garcia wins — and emerges unscathed — boxing may finally get to see Haney vs. Garcia II.

Their first showdown in April 2024 ended in controversy and chaos. Garcia dropped Haney three times in a dramatic fight that initially resulted in a majority decision win for King Ry. But the celebration didn’t last. Garcia later tested positive for Ostarine on two pre-fight drug tests, leading to:

• The result being overturned to a no-contest

• Garcia being suspended for one year

• A rematch deal — already brewing — collapsing

Both men returned to action in May on the historic Ring Magazine Times Square card, but only Haney won. Garcia’s upset loss to Rolly Romero upended Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh’s plan to stage the rematch in October.

Haney held up his end by outpointing Jose Ramirez. Garcia didn’t — and the mega-fight seemed to evaporate.

Haney: “Of Course I Want the Rematch”

With both fighters back in the win column and the welterweight titles now split between them, momentum is once again building toward a sequel.

And Haney made his intentions clear post-fight.

“Of course I want the rematch — that is redemption,” Haney told Fight Hub TV. “The same way he was rooting for me, I’ll be rooting for him against Barrios.”

Haney believes Garcia vs. Barrios is winnable — and that a win sets the table for a massive showdown.
“I think it will align,” he said. “And it will be a massive fight.”

A Rivalry Too Big to Fade Away

The Haney–Garcia dynamic is one of the most intriguing in boxing:

• They’ve shared the ring several times as amateurs.

• They hate losing to the other.

• Their personalities, styles, and fanbases are polar opposites.

• Their first fight — despite the overturned result — was unforgettable.

Add belts, money, controversy, and history, and the rivalry practically sells itself.

For Garcia, Saturday night wasn’t just about a winning bet — it was a reminder to the boxing world that he still wants Haney, still believes he beat him clean, and still thinks he’s the real star.

For Haney, it’s about redemption and legacy.

All that’s left is for Garcia to do his part on February 21.

If he wins, boxing fans may finally get the long-awaited rematch — and one of the sport’s most compelling storylines will reignite under championship lights.