Ward says the fight that still matters most to Haney is another meeting with Ryan Garcia.
“I think that’s the fight he has to take,” Ward told The Ring. “You’re getting it wrong, from a legacy standpoint, nobody can say anything. I think it’s going to make him a much better fighter as well because he can deal with those personal demons.”
Haney and Garcia first fought in April 2024. Garcia scored three knockouts and earned a majority decision, but the result was later changed to a no-contest after failing drug tests. Garcia also came in overweight and was ineligible to win Haney’s WBC 140-pound title.
The rivalry has remained unfinished ever since. A second fight was booked after both appeared on the same May 2025 card in Times Square, but Garcia’s loss to Rolando Romero ended those plans.
Ward also said Garcia looked dangerous again in his most recent win, which only adds to the demand for a second meeting.
“Ryan Garcia looked incredible in his last fight,” Ward said. “The hands are still fast, and power is still there. That fight sells itself. It’s a fight I think they both have to take now.”
It’s easy for a retired fighter to tell an active one to “just fight.” Ward doesn’t have to deal with the 2026 reality of pay-per-view splits, arena fees at Allegiant Stadium, or the massive legal and medical headaches that came from the first fight.
Andre Ward doesn’t have a seat at the negotiating table, and he certainly isn’t one to put his health or his legacy on the line. Boxing is a business, and Ryan is under no obligation to take a deal he feels undervalues his appeal just because an elder statesman of the sport thinks it’s good for his soul.
Ryan dominated Mario Barrios just back in February to become the WBC welterweight champion. He now has his own belt and probably more commercial clout than Haney. If the Haney camp tries to stick with a 50/50 split or take the lion’s share, Ryan has every right to walk away.
