Ward says the most critical fight for Haney is his next meeting with Ryan Garcia.
“I think this is a fight he has to take,” Ward told The Ring. “You’re right that from a legacy standpoint, no one can say anything. I think it will make him a much better warrior because he’ll be able to deal with his personal demons.”
Haney and Garcia first fought in April 2024. Garcia scored three knockdowns and received a majority decision, but the result was later changed to a no-contest after failing drug tests. Garcia was also overweight and ineligible to win Haney’s WBC 140-pound title.
Since then, the rivalry has remained unfinished. A second fight was discussed after both fights appeared on the same May 2025 card in Times Square, but Garcia’s loss to Rolando Romero scuppered those plans.
Ward also said Garcia looked hazardous again after his last win, which only increases the demand for a second meeting.
“Ryan Garcia looked amazing in his last fight,” Ward said. “The hands are still quick and the power is still there. This fight sells itself. I think it’s a fight both of them should have right now.”
It’s effortless for a retired fighter to tell an busy fighter to “just take the fight.” Ward doesn’t have to face the 2026 reality of pay-per-view splits, Allegiant Stadium seat fees or the massive legal and medical problems that arose after the first fight.
Andre Ward is not at the negotiating table and he’s certainly not the one putting his health or legacy on the line. Boxing is a business and Ryan has no obligation to enter into a deal that he feels underestimates his drawing power just because an elder statesman representing the sport thinks it is good for his soul.
Ryan had just dominated Mario Barrios in February to become the WBC welterweight champion. He has his own lane now and probably has more commercial clout than Haney. If Haney’s camp tries to stick to a 50/50 split or take the lion’s share, Ryan has every right to leave.
Dan Ambrose is a boxing journalist at Boxing News 24, respected for his direct analysis and extensive coverage of the global fighting landscape. His reports focus on the most critical fights, division development and the most discussed stories in sports.