Devin Haney accused Ryan Garcia of looking “heavy” after they came face to face to promote Saturday’s fight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The WBC super lightweight champion makes the first defence of his title against his long-term amateur rival, and at a promotional event from the top of the Empire State Building in nearby Manhattan was taken aback by Garcia’s physique.

His fellow 25 year old, who in April 2023 lost for the first time as a professional when fighting Gervonta “Tank” Davis at a catchweight of 136lbs, would have convinced as a physically gifted welterweight, little over 72 hours before he is scheduled to weigh in at 140lbs.

Haney has consistently accused Garcia of a lack of professionalism since they agreed terms for Saturday’s fight, and having seen his opponent topless throughout their latest meeting despite the strong winds that made Haney and others feel cold, the champion said: “He looked heavy. He looked heavy, right? I mean, he gon’ make weight – he gotta make weight. 

“The world’s gonna see me expose him. He’s a clown; he’s a fraud. He’s not the real deal. He don’t take this s*** serious and I’m a student of the game; I’m a true professional, and I’ma show it. 

“I feel good. I feel amazing – 140, I’m growing into the weight class even more. I feel stronger; better; faster. I’m excited with the way camp has gone. I can’t wait for Saturday. I’m a professional. 

“Every fight I train hard – I push myself to the limit. I come in shape every single time, so it’s hard to say [if this is my best ever condition]. What I can say is I’m gonna knock Ryan Garcia out. I’ll be upset if I didn’t.”

There have been consistent concerns surrounding Garcia’s psychological state since Saturday’s fight was officially announced, and to the extent observers have repeatedly questioned if he will make it to the ring.

His ill-advised use of social media has contributed to the worry surrounding his wellbeing, and he was again somewhat erratic – to the point of briefly roaring like a caged animal – either side of when he said: “I just have to show up [to win the fight]. 

“I love the energy here [in New York]. 

“Some people can actually warm their bodies up themselves [which is why I’m not cold despite being topless].

“If I wanted to, I could knock him out in the first.”

He by then had already said to those present: “If you wanna make money, bet on a second-round knockout.”

In December Haney outpointed Regis Prograis, in his first fight at 140lbs. In May 2023, shortly after Garcia was stopped by Davis – potentially because of his struggles to make weight – Haney recorded his finest victory by defeating Vasiliy Lomachenko to defend the undisputed 135lbs title, but Lomachenko is perhaps no more than a natural super featherweight.