UFC star Israel Adesanya loses huge bet on Ryan Garcia’s shock upset win over WBC king Devin Haney
Israel Adesanya backed friend Devin Haney to beat Ryan Garcia - but ended up losing big money.
Haney was the favourite to beat Garcia in their grudge showdown in New York, but was stunned after being knocked down three times before succumbing to a points defeat.
2
Adesanya greeted Haney before the fight, and posted a photo of the pair with his bet slip, where he had placed $20,000 [£16k] on Haney picking up the win by KO, which would have doubled his money.
However, Haney was brutally beaten by Garcia who shocked the boxing world with his performance and had his hand raised by majority decision.
Not many - including Adesanya - had backed 'King Ry' to pick up the win, particularly given he missed the 140lbs weight limit by 3lbs and was no longer allowed to challenge for the WBC super-lightweight title.
But he delivered in spectacular fashion, and his stocks have risen immensely as he got his career back on track.
Read More On Haney vs Garcia
Prior to the event, Garcia had attracted concern for his behaviour on social media including from his ex-wife.
The WBC had even held talks with the New York commission, where he was forced to undergo 'mental health' tests.
But Garcia insisted he was ready to fight, and he certainly delivered what his words had suggested on the night.
In his post-fight interview, he slammed his critics and explained how he fooled the world with his behaviour which helped him beat 'The Dream'.
Most read in Boxing
2
He said: "Come on, you really thought I was crazy? You all lost your whole mind.
"You guys overrate everything, you guys hate on me because I'm pretty and s***, that's f***ed up.
Israel Adesanya reacts to former opponent Sean Strickland losing his middleweight championship to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297
"My left hook is my left hook, that's blessed by God. Whenever I land it, it can put you out or down.
"I need to gather my thoughts I need a shot or a beer, I need some alcohol to get my mind going.
"Man I'm kidding, can't you guys take a joke?
"I knew I had control after [the first knockdown] maybe my conditioning wasn't the best, but at the end of the day, I got the job done."
Boxing WhatsApp channel
Get the latest fight news, reaction and the best opinion from talkSPORT pundits in our
Follow our Boxing channel
Topics