Ward says the fight that also matters most for Haney is one other meeting with Ryan Garcia.
“I feel that’s the fight that he must take,” Ward said to The Ring. “You right that flawed, from a legacy standpoint, no person can say anything. I feel it’s also going to make him a a lot better fighter, because he’s in a position to take care of those personal demons.”
Haney and Garcia first fought in April 2024. Garcia scored three knockdowns and was awarded a majority decision, however the result was later modified to a no-contest after failed drug tests. Garcia also got here in chubby and was ineligible to win Haney’s WBC 140-pound title.
The rivalry has remained unfinished ever since. A second fight had been discussed after each appeared on the identical 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 up-to-date win, which only adds to the demand for a second meeting.
“Ryan Garcia looked amazing in his last fight,” Ward said. “The hands are still fast, and power continues to be there. That fight sells itself. That’s a fight that I feel they each should take right away.”
It’s easy for a retired fighter to inform an energetic one to “just make the fight.” Ward doesn’t must take care of the 2026 reality of pay-per-view splits, site fees at Allegiant Stadium, or the huge legal and medical headaches that got here out of the primary fight.
Andre Ward doesn’t have a seat on the negotiating table, and he definitely isn’t the one putting his health or his legacy on the road. Boxing is a business, and Ryan is under no obligation to take a deal that he feels undervalues his drawing power simply because an elder statesman of the game thinks it’s good for his soul.
Ryan just dominated Mario Barrios in February to turn out to be the WBC Welterweight champion. He has his own belt now and arguably more industrial clout than Haney. If the Haney camp is attempting to follow a 50/50 split or take the lion’s share, Ryan has every right to walk away.