The pair had shared the ring six times as amateurs, with three wins each, but it was underdog Garcia – who missed the weight by 3.2lb – who stole the show in the pro ranks at the Barclay Center.
He made a blistering start, landing a lead left hook in the first minute as Haney’s legs buckled.
‘The Dream’ recovered well and began to take control, glancing a left hook of his own in the third as American greats Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Roy Jones Jr watched on from ringside.
In a chaotic and eventful seventh, Haney – while his father and trainer Bill was being interviewed in the corner by the TV broadcaster – hit the canvas for the first time as a pro.
Haney rose to his feet, albeit on shaky legs. An overexuberant Garcia – who had a string quartet perform classical music in his dressing room earlier – was deducted a point seconds later for throwing a punch after the referee asked the boxers to break.
Garcia continued to attack as Haney, holding on, slumped to the canvas twice more later in the round but both were ruled as non-knockdowns.
Just as Haney appeared to regain control, landing solid body shots, Garcia floored the champion in the 10th with his quick hand speed. Haney was hurt again in the final 30 seconds by another Garcia hook.
The sight of Haney on the canvas was becoming all too familiar. He was open for the left hook and Garcia obliged in the 11th.
“I fell asleep on the left hook. We trained for it but I got in there and fell asleep,” said Haney, who has also been undisputed champion at lightweight.
“I gave him a shot, it’s only right he gives me a shot back. He didn’t make weight, so I’m still the champion. We can run it back.”
