Ryan Garcia Can Pass Haney Without Fighting Him

The Ring currently lists Haney at No. 1, Ryan at No. 2 and Teofimo Lopez at No. 3. DAZN celebrated Ryan’s sudden rise after he battered Conor Benn into the canvas on September 12.

Haney has stayed completely inactive since his win over Brian Norman Jr. in November 2025. With no date on the schedule, The Ring’s editorial panel faces an embarrassing situation trying to justify keeping an idle fighter above an active WBC belt holder who generates rapid stoppages, full arenas, and an $8 million live gate.

Cruz provides Ryan with an ideal path. Brian Norman Jr. and Eimantas Stanionis are dangerous, heavy-handed natural welterweights who represent high-risk charity work with zero commercial reward. Ryan would take heavy punches for pocket change. Pitbull delivers massive paydays, international visibility, and the direct promotional comparison Ryan wants against Tank.