TWO of the ring’s biggest and brightest young stars collide in Brooklyn, New York this weekend, but there’s an unusual vibe surrounding the best fight in boxing so far in 2024.

Devin ‘The Dream’ Haney defending his world title against ‘King’ Ryan Garcia promises to engage fight fans the world over. But it’s the challenger’s recent erratic behaviour that’s generating all of the headlines.

Garcia, 25, has been acting out of sorts in interviews and on his social media, talking about everything from the existence of aliens to much more serious subjects.

Any concerns are raised further by the fact he took time out from boxing shortly after beating Hull’s Olympic gold medallist Luke Campbell, citing mental health problems, and now his newly ex-wife and own brother have publicly appealed for support in his wellbeing.

FOREVER RIVALS

On his best day the matchup would be a tough one for the challenger who, despite going 3-3 with Haney in the amateurs, is yet hit similarly lofty heights as a pro.

Haney, also 25, has not only reigned as unified lightweight champion, but is now a super-lightweight world title holder too.

Unbeaten in 31 fights, ‘The Dream’ has already won eight consecutive world title fights across two weight classes. Saturday’s main event represents Garcia’s first world title chance.

Despite the disparity in their in-ring accomplishments, according to Team Haney, Garcia – as much a social media star as he is a prizefighter – is actually receiving the bigger split, 55% to Haney’s 45% for the fight.

BROOKLYN BETS

LA-based Garcia’s 24-1 record includes 20 knockouts, but also a seventh-round body shot KO defeat to Gervonta Davis from just 12 months ago.

Haney, who grew up in San Francisco but moved to Las Vegas in his early teens and turned pro in Mexico aged 17, has just 15 knockouts in his 31 wins.

In fact, the champion hasn’t stopped anybody since stepping to world level.

But he did travel to Australia to be crowned unified champion; silenced critics by outscoring Vasyl Lomachenko in his final outing at lightweight; and he defied the odds again with a shutout masterclass on his 140lb debut in December.

That performance, against established 140lb world champion Regis Prograis, ensured Haney was promoted to every boxing outlet’s pound-for-pound list.

Garcia’s irregular behaviour naturally raises concerns about whether the fight should even be happening. After all, the boxing ring is no place for an individual suffering from mental stress.

But similar concerns were raised ahead of Teofimo Lopez’s switch to 140lb last summer, and he produced one of his best performances to hand Josh Taylor his first career defeat.

Sometimes, fighters crave the chaos.

SKILL FOR SKILL

Inside the ropes, Garcia has one of the best left hooks in the business. He has fast feet and throws rapid combinations.

But there are concerns about his conditioning, brutally exploited by the body shots of Davis.

Haney, naturally, has a very polished style and is admittedly one of my favourite fighters in boxing today.

He is one of the very best counter-punchers in the sport, gameplans meticulously, studies opponents diligently, and leaves nothing to chance.

The rivalry they shared in the amateurs is long gone. While Garcia has collected followers, Haney has been collecting belts, and that will never be more evident than when the bell goes in Brooklyn.

TIP: Haney on Points – 3/4