Jack Catterall has triggered a dispute with Ryan Garcia after labeling him a drug cheat while calling for a welterweight bout against Devin Haney. Catterall praised Haney as morally undefeated, prompting an aggressive backlash from Garcia on social media.
The British contender is aiming to secure a major contest against Haney, presenting himself as a loyal choice to Team Haney. While lobbying for the matchup, Catterall dismissed Garcia’s 2024 majority-decision victory over Haney due to Garcia testing positive for ostarine following their bout.
Catterall stated: “I respect Devin Haney, he’s a real one, and he’s only lost to a drug cheat, so he’s undefeated in my eyes,” before adding, “I’m in boxing to challenge myself against the best. should actively be pushing for this fight. We’re both on the same platform.”
Catterall’s public comments align directly with the position maintained by Devin Haney and his father, Bill Haney. By endorsing their view on Garcia, the Briton is attempting to secure priority over IBF welterweight champion Liam Paro. Promoter Eddie Hearn indicated that Catterall’s name might simply be used in contract negotiations to drive down Paro’s asking price. Still, Catterall is calculating that public loyalty will grant him the advantage.
Garcia reacted swiftly to Catterall’s statements with a sharp personal rebuttal.
Addressing Catterall directly, the American rejected the notion that the banned substance offered him a physical advantage during his bout with Haney. Garcia stated: “You are an irreverent idiot,” and added: “You call me a cheat when it’s a fact that what was found in my system had no impact in the fight. Nor was I in shape for the fight, so what benefits did I take from anything? Stop being a pussy and a cuck to Devin Haney.”
Garcia’s explanation does not alter the formal ruling. Following the positive test for ostarine, the New York State Athletic Commission changed his victory to a no-contest and imposed a one-year suspension. Catterall’s public maneuvering underlines the fight for positioning at welterweight, with both Catterall and Paro standing as the primary options for Haney’s next fight.
