“Victor Conte is not here. God rest his soul.” It was a short answer, and it landed on purpose.
Garcia’s April 2024 win over Haney was overturned in a no contest after he tested positive for Ostarine. The result followed him for months. By mentioning Conte, a name long associated with performance-enhancing drug scandals, Lopez steered the discussion back to that chapter instead of breaking down how a second fight at welterweight could unfold.
It put that first win in doubt without saying the words. Then Garsie went out and fought like that.
Against Barrios, he remained disciplined. He worked for long stretches behind a steady jab and controlled distance. He stayed within his reach and didn’t swing wildly when openings appeared. The power appeared in patches, but it came within the structure. The performance seemed measured and composed over rounds.
If that version shows up in a rematch with Haney, the fight will depend on adjustments rather than old test headlines.
Haney’s two wins since the reverse loss have not settled the debate. Against Brian Norman Jr. and Jose Ramirez he relied heavily on holding, lateral movement and single punches. The defense remained sharp. He took control of the laps. The combinations came in short pieces. There was little sustained pressure.
Lopez chose to point backwards when asked about a second fight. On Saturday, Garcia gave people something topical to judge. If they meet again at 147, the outcome will turn on execution over twelve rounds, not on a name dropped in a hallway interview.
