Devin Haney will put his WBC super lightweight title on the line after agreeing to fight Ryan Garcia in a huge marquee bout for both boxers, according to reports.
The pair will take to the ring against each other for the first time in Las Vegas on April 20, with Garcia attempting to claim a belt in his first professional title fight.
However, there is justified scepticism over the new date with the pair previously coming close to signing off on a deal before talks broke down, but this is the first time that a date has been scheduled.
Former undisputed lightweight champion Haney (31-0, 15 KO) will defend his WBC super lightweight title for the first time since dethroning Regis Prograis in December when he meets Garcia in the ring at the end of April, as reported by Mike Coppinger.
Talks have been on and off since December but looked to have ended when Garcia tried to pursue a fight with Rolando Romero, before Romero instead decided to fight Isaac Cruz.
Devin Haney has agreed to defend his WBC super lightweight title against Ryan Garcia
Garcia will fight for his first title when he meets Haney in Las Vegas in April, according to reports
An April showdown marks a significant moment in the careers of both fighters as they prepare to meet for the first time in a professional environment.
Haney and Garcia fought six times in the amateurs with both sharing three wins each before turning professional and embarking on title quests.
The meeting will bring to a conclusion bad blood between the pair after they previously clashed on social media at the start of January.
Haney is undefeated and will defend his title after dethroning Regis Prograis in December
Garcia publicly stated he wouldn’t be fighting Haney, explaining at the time: ‘I’ve notified my team I’m going a different route.
‘My intent now is to fight Rolando Romero. I pray my team backs me on this decision.’
Haney boasts an undefeated record of 31 victories with 15 by way of knockout, but faces one of his toughest tests yet yet in Garcia.
Meanwhile, the challenger has only lost once in his professional career after being knocked out by Gervonta Davis last year.