Devin Haney has already clashed with Ryan Garcia ahead of their grudge match.
Haney and Garcia are both in New York as they prepare to face-off in their huge showdown at the Brooklyn Center on Saturday for the WBC super-lightweight world title.
The American pair have already traded verbal barbs during their previous launch press conference face-offs, but now Haney has upped the stakes even higher.
The pair met in a secluded face-off on top of the Empire State Building surrounded by media, and began angrily shouting in each other’s faces.
Tensions continued to boil as Haney and Garcia came nose-to-nose before the champion shoved the challenger backwards.
A sea of security then waded in to prevent the pair from coming to blows, and now another layer of spice has been added.
This isn’t the first time Haney has shoved a rival, having done the same to Vasyl Lomachenko before his April 2023 win at a press conference.
He was subsequently punished for the antics, being forced to pay a fine of $400,000 by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
It remains to be seen if he will face disciplinary action for his latest antics, but it would be a costly blow to his fight purse.
A simply remarkable build-up has preceded the event, given Garcia’s social media actions have concerned fans throughout.
The WBC even decided to investigate his behaviour, which Garcia dismissed and insisted he was in fighting condition.
It is no surprise that the pair have continued to clash, given their rivalry has been long-term since their days in the amateur ranks.
They have already met six times, winning on three occasions apiece, with their first meeting in the pros set to decide their feud for good.
Garcia needs a crucial win against his undefeated opponent to revive his career, after losing to Gervonta Davis in his previous grudge fight last year.
The winner of the meeting could set up a unification clash with Isaac Cruz, who has faced comparisons to heavyweight legend Mike Tyson.
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News Summary:
- ‘It’s happened again’ – Devin Haney shoves Ryan Garcia in heated rooftop face-off before grudge fight
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