Ryan Garcia revealed on his social media site today that he bet a whopping $2 million on himself to defeat previously undefeated WBC light welterweight champion Devin Haney last Saturday night and made $12 million.
$50 Million Payday for Garcia
Garcia (25-1, 20 KOs) says he made around $50 million, possibly more, from his fight against Haney (31-1, 15 KOs) on DAZN PPV at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
If that $50M figure is accurate, it lessens the impact of Ryan, 25, losing $1.5 million from his bet with Haney on the weigh-in.
Ryan had bet $500,000 per pound that he would make the 140-lb weight limit for the fight but came in 3.2 lbs over the limit at 143.2 lbs and had to cough up a cool $1.5 million. That dough put a big smile on Haney’s face before the fight.
What Haney didn’t figure in was Ryan being stronger for not having drained himself to make the 140-lb limit the way that he had, which may have been a telling factor in him pulling off the upset.
Ryan didn’t show proof that he made the $2 million wager on himself, so fans will have to take him at face value to believe what he says. This is the same person who drank water from a beer bottle at the weigh-in last Friday to mess with the heads of fans, media, and Team Haney.
Garcia’s Words on His Windfall
“If you bet, BET ON YOURSELF. On top of what we made, EATING GOOD,” said Ryan Garcia on Instagram about him betting on himself to defeat Devin Haney last weekend. “About 50 million (probably more) in one night; not too shabby
“I will let God guide me on how to use this money. Ryan Garcia reportedly bet $2,000,000 on himself to defeat Devin Haney and was paid out $12,000,000.”
Boxing fans on social media are wondering if this is even legal for fighters to bet on themselves to win their matches. Is it legal for fighters competing outside of Nevada to bet on themselves?
Ryan making huge bets on his weight and the fight outcome makes you wonder if he’s got a gambling problem. If he’s going to continue to make such huge bets, it’s possible he could lose his fortune if he continues down this path. To bet that kind of money sounds like someone who has a serious gambling problem.