Devin Heaney announced next fight date but it’s too early for a Ryan Garcia rematch

Devin Heaney has been sidelined since his controversial fight with Ryan Garcia in April of last year.

Garcia fell down Honey Three times en route to being awarded a unanimous decision victory.

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However, after King Ray was found to have tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine in two separate drug tests conducted around the fight, the result became a no contest.

Honey continued Lawsuit against Garcia, alleging criminal exploitation, fraud, and unjust enrichment related to their last trip.

Meanwhile, he has since vacated himself WBC Super Lightweight Title And at his request he is considered a ‘champion on vacation’.

Both Haney and Garcia have talked about a rematch to settle their score, but it won’t be the next one as the former lightweight champion’s comeback fight will take place just before his opponent is cleared to compete again.

“March.. I’m back,” Hani wrote on X on Friday night.

That comes a month before Garcia’s drug ban ends on April 20, 2025 — though that’s not the only factor at play.

Garcia is scheduled to undergo surgery on a wrist injury that kept him out of the fight Japanese kickboxer Rukia Anpo on December 30 in an exhibition match.

Not only will the recovery take some time, but Garcia appears to be insistent on continuing it with Anpo this year, which could further delay the return.

“I’m coming here to say I’m sorry, I’m sorry I had to postpone this fight,” he wrote on social media last month.

I injured my right wrist here in training camp, where after talking to the doctors, I will need surgery.

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“And I had to take some time off from treatment. I want to thank Fanmyo and Rizin for this opportunity and I’m still excited to fight in Japan soon.

“And all this resumes immediately after my recovery In 2025.

So don’t get me wrong, I’ll be back to finish what we started with Anpo, and he’ll keep his word, I guarantee.

I just need to take some time off, but when I come back there will be waves in Japan.”

Boxing fans are clamoring to see a Garcia-Haney rematch, so it’s likely that this fight will come down the line in the not-too-distant future.

Their opening encounter created fireworks, and the controversy surrounding the fight only fueled interest in the sequel.

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But, at least for Honey, there will be a set-up fight before fans get to see them lock horns again.

It is currently unclear what level of opposition Hani will share the ring with next.

But as the “champion on vacation” he has the right to challenge for the WBC super lightweight crown upon his return.

Alberto Puelo was promoted from interim champion to full champion when Honey vacated the green and gold belt, so that could be a potential option.

Puelo has no fights booked at the time of writing and has not fought since defeating Gary Antoine Russell for the interim title in June of last year.