Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia on Saturday, April 20 is one of the most eagerly-anticipated bouts of 2024, and we have a new location for the recently announced superfight.
The 25-year-old Haney (31-0 with 15 KOs) puts his WBC super-lightweight world title on the line after claiming the title with a win over Regis Prograis in San Francisco. Garcia meanwhile continues his rebuild after that knockout defeat by Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis in Las Vegas last April.
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This blockbuster was announced a week ago, with the site revealed then as Las Vegas, Nevada. A refreshing change for the pundits and fans who do not like the way most big fights now head to Saudi Arabia for the untold riches being offered there.
More bad news for Las Vegas
But now we have a further wrinkle – and it is more bad news for Vegas, the city which used to be the home of big-time boxing. Remember when casinos there could bankroll any big fight they desired to ensure plenty of action at the tables on a major weekend. Not any more.
On Thursday we got the surprise update that the bout has been moved, all the way to the East Coast and Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
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As yet we do not know the official reasons for the decision to move, but once again it’s not a great look for Vegas. Barclays Center is a terrific venue, but there was a time with The Strip in Nevada could do whatever it wanted.
There is a school of thought that maybe ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is part of the reason here, particularly if he fights in Vegas on Cinco De Mayo weekend. Who really wants to go a couple of weeks before him in the same city. Tough promotional gig.
One thing which will not change is the TV broadcaster for the bout, with DAZN already confirming it has the global rights – including the UK and the US.
