Despite what people expected to happen in this fight, Ryan Garcia knew what he was doing. Not only did the Victorville native prove he was better than Devin Haney, but he also reportedly returned home considerably richer. Going into the fight, Garcia, through his actions on social media, convinced the world that he was not taking the fight seriously.
On top of that, Garcia lost 3.2 pounds to 143.2 pounds, and everyone was convinced he couldn’t win. Therefore, he had to follow through on the bet and pay Haney his $1.5 million. However, “Flash” Garcia quickly made all of that money back by betting against himself at low odds. According to a post-fight tweet from Boxing Kingdom, Garcia bet $2 million on himself and got $12 million in return. But today, Garcia himself posted on Instagram revealing that the entire fight grossed more than $50 million.
Ryan Garcia’s brilliance or criminal activity?
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Hours earlier, Ryan Garcia shared a post confirming that the $12 million payout suggested by his bet was in fact true. It also says, “On top of what we have made.” Eat something delicious. About 50 million (probably more) a night, which isn’t too shabby. ” But then the question arises: Can a boxer bet on himself?
Ryan Garcia cashed in a $12 million winning ticket from a major gambling company this morning after betting $2 million against himself to win last night.
— Boxing Kingdom (@BoxingKingdom14) April 22, 2024
Floyd Mayweather tried to bet on himself in 2017, according to a report from ESPN’s David Purdum. It turns out that the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the Nevada State Athletic Commission had no specific rules against fighters betting on themselves. However, since Garcia’s fight was in New York, it remains to be seen whether he will have to face retaliation. Nevertheless, Garcia’s post immediately sparked a debate about the legality of the situation.
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Fan mentions Bill Haney’s bet on Devin Haney fight
Such a masterstroke was executed so impressively that many fans flocked to express their thoughts on the situation. One user shared his revelation that he didn’t know that boxers can bet on themselves but athletes in other sports can’t. A user wrote, “So boxers can gamble, but other professional sports can’t. Didn’t know that?”
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Meanwhile, this user revealed serious suspicions that Bill Haney bet on his son because he knew the referee would help his son win. “Bill Haney bet 2 million on himself.” [because] He thought the referee would save them,” the user wrote. Notably, referee Harvey Dock ruled out Garcia’s first knockout against Haney in the seventh round with a choke. However, there is no evidence that there was any working relationship between Doc and Bill.
Another user expressed concern and claimed that they believe such betting is illegal. A user commented, “I thought it was against gambling rules.” All of Garcia’s bets are in the open, so only time will tell if they turn out to be illegal.
Meanwhile, this user confidently announced that, unlike baseball, it is completely legal in boxing for boxers to bet on themselves. “Of course it’s legal, it’s boxing, not baseball!!! He’s fighting for his life,” the user wrote.
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Someone else, who ignored state rules, questioned the legality of the bet. A user wrote, “Is that legal?”
It’s unclear as to the legality of Garcia’s bet on himself, but he’s still the underdog who beat Devin Haney. And based on his tweets, he may be aiming for an even bigger fight. Nevertheless, what do you think about this matter? Do you think Garcia’s move was legal?
