Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney are all set for their heavily anticipated matchup. With only the main event of the evening remaining, all interest shifted to the fighters and how they were preparing in their respective locker rooms just before the fight. As such, they attracted a lot of interest from fans for the same.
For those unaware, the Haney vs Garcia matchup has finally materialized and will be going ahead despite a lot of controversy in the buildup. Although there have been a lot of questions over Ryan’s erratic and clearly troubled behavior in the buildup, he has seemingly been cleared to fight by the New York State Athletic Commission.
𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐒 👑#HaneyGarcia live tonight on @DAZNBoxing 🔥 pic.twitter.com/AgPoS8vpJh
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) April 20, 2024
Further, owing to Ryan Garcia’s weight miss, Haney’s WBC Super Lightweight title will not be on the line for this fight. Thus, as a result of their bet during the press conference, Garcia had to shell out $1.5 million to Haney before the fight. All things considered, it may well act as an added motivation for the American-Mexican boxer.
A look into Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia’s locker rooms ahead of the fight
Ahead of the fight, whilst the other fights went on, the broadcast shifted its attention to the main event fighters and their final preparations in the locker before their contest. Usually, fighters are seen in a light mood with the rest of their team, trainers, and coaches or getting some pad work in. However, in Ryan Garcia’s case, the fighter had something a little more elaborate and extravagant planned.
Different… 🎻 #HaneyGarcia live on @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/0k9dBk9Eox
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) April 21, 2024
Initially spotted donning a ‘RIP DEVIN HANEY’ t-shirt, Garcia was then getting into fighting headspace with a string quartet performing live classical music in his dressing room. A rather surprising move to say the least, it is something that the fans have come to expect owing to the leadup to this fight. In some ways, Ryan’s behavior has promoted the fight to a different level altogether, suggesting some method to his madness.
Devin’s locker room could headline Coachella 🍿@Realdevinhaney getting loose with @ASAPferg and @joeyBADASS before the main event. #HaneyGarcia | Live NOW on DAZN! Click the link in bio to buy pic.twitter.com/gq8qlUBEfb
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) April 21, 2024
Notably, boxing legend Mike Tyson also made his way into Ryan’s locker room to try and give him some encouragement. On the other hand, Devin Haney could be seen in a much more loose, relaxed state, singing and dancing with American rappers Joey Bada$$ and A$AP Ferg who are expected to be part of his entourage on the night.
Fans react to the string quartet orchestra in Ryan Garcia’s locker room
Naturally, the fans had a lot to say about the varying locker room environments of the two fighters. Whilst many would consider the locker room of Devin Haney to be much closer to what we normally see, Ryan Garcia has once again gone a little over and extra.
Following the clips of Ryan Garcia dancing to the orchestra in his locker room making their way on social media, the fans expressed their thoughts on the fighter, and his overall entertaining buildup to the fight. As some would suggest, Garcia’s erratic behavior and shenanigans have helped build the fight and could result in his highest PPV buys yet.
this is the funniest thing hes done lol
— just look up (@bewarethArchons) April 21, 2024
He has so much money he just spending it on whatever now😂😂
— Spectrum MMA (@SpectrumMMA) April 21, 2024
He has definitely been entertaining in the lead up to this fight
— Taylor (@imakeyousickk) April 21, 2024
Dude better win this fight😤🤝😂
— MrDwin 👨🎨 🇺🇸 🇬🇭 (@MrDwein) April 21, 2024
This actually goes hard tf this guy might be a promoting genius
— blackbearmedicine (@blackbearmedsin) April 21, 2024
By now, the fans have grown to appreciate Ryan Garcia for his promotional efforts for this fight. Although he is possibly undergoing something truly serious mentally, the fans feel compelled to tune in regardless, if anything to see whether Garcia’s disorderly conduct is a facade or not. With his bizarre behavior set to carry on into the ring, it will be interesting to see how it serves or affects him in the fight.