In April 2024, Garcia and Haney faced off in a highly-anticipated super-lightweight bout. Garcia won on points and dropped Haney multiple times. But the victory didn't last long. Garcia failed two doping tests after the fight, turning the result into a no contest. The New York State Athletic Commission suspended him for a year, making him ineligible to fight again until April 2025.
Garcia claimed a contaminated substance caused the failed tests. He also said he'd never use VADA again. He questioned why VADA was always the chosen testing organization and suggested using alternatives.
"It's getting really strange why it's always VADA can we get some other organisations to test? Cause you got Bill [Haney] pushing only VADA, never says any other organisations and it's strange he's pushing a certain organisation. Don't you just want any kind of testing."
But now, Boxing Scene reports that Garcia has enrolled in the VADA drug-testing protocol. This U-turn suggests he's serious about making the rematch happen.
The rematch is reportedly a done deal for later this year. But before that, both fighters have other battles to focus on. Garcia will face Rolly Romero in May, while Haney is set to fight Jose Ramirez in the same month.
The first Garcia-Haney fight was full of drama even before the failed drug tests. Garcia missed weight, making him ineligible for the WBC super-lightweight title. Some people in the boxing world also criticized Garcia's behavior leading up to the fight, worried about his wellbeing.
Garcia's failed drug test after the fight added another layer of controversy to an already contentious event. Now, at 26 years old, "King Ry" seems ready to put that behind him and prove himself in a clean rematch.