Ryan Garcia Can Pass Haney Without Fighting Him

Ryan Garcia is aiming to overtake Devin Haney for the No. 1 spot in The Ring's welterweight rankings. Following his stoppage victory over Conor Benn on September 12, Garcia is currently ranked No. 2, while Haney remains at No. 1 despite being inactive since November 2025. A potential matchup against Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz is being highlighted as Garcia's ideal path to secure the top ranking.

To surpass Haney, Garcia reportedly needs a spectacular early stoppage against Cruz, a fighter whom Gervonta Davis could not finish in their 2021 bout. While Cruz typically fights at lighter weights, a fight at welterweight or a catchweight would offer Garcia a highly lucrative promotion. A quick victory would showcase Garcia's reach and height advantages over the shorter Cruz.