Ward says the fight that still matters most for Haney is another meeting with Ryan Garcia.
“I think that’s the fight that he needs to take,” Ward said to The Ring. “You right that wrong, from a legacy standpoint, nobody can say anything. I think it’s also going to make him a much better fighter, because he’s able to deal with those personal demons.”
Haney and Garcia first fought in April 2024. Garcia scored three knockdowns and was awarded a majority decision, but the result was later changed to a no-contest after failed 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 had been discussed 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 amazing in his last fight,” Ward said. “The hands are still fast, and power is still there. That fight sells itself. That’s a fight that I think they both should take right now.”
It’s easy for a retired fighter to tell an active one to “just make the fight.” Ward doesn’t have to deal with the 2026 reality of pay-per-view splits, site fees at Allegiant Stadium, or the massive legal and medical headaches that came out of the first fight.
Andre Ward doesn’t have a seat at the negotiating table, and he certainly isn’t the one putting his health or his legacy on the line. Boxing is a business, and Ryan is under no obligation to take a deal that he feels undervalues his drawing power just because an elder statesman of the sport thinks it’s good for his soul.
Ryan just dominated Mario Barrios in February to become the WBC Welterweight champion. He has his own belt now and arguably more commercial clout than Haney. If the Haney camp is trying to stick to a 50/50 split or take the lion’s share, Ryan has every right to walk away.
