Janice R. Andrews
In a startling turn of events, boxer Ryan Garcia reportedly won a $12 million wager on himself this past weekend, shocking the sports world. After betting on himself to win the WBC Light Welterweight Championship against Devin Haney, the unbeaten Garcia generated a profit of $10 million.
Garcia’s self-confidence paid off even though he was seen as the underdog against Haney. He disclosed that he wagered a whopping $12 million on himself after placing a $2 million moneyline wager. DAZN broadcasters brought up this revelation during the fight, and Garcia later verified it on social media.
With pay-per-view sales, sold-out Barclays Center attendance, plus Garcia’s fight purse, his total earnings from the bout may potentially surpass $50 million.
The sports world has been divided by the controversy involving boxers who wager on themselves. Since there is no central body overseeing boxing like there is in other professional sports, boxers like Garcia are free to wager on their own fights. Although most fight contracts prohibit wagering on opponents or placing prop bets, boxers are not specifically prohibited from wagering on themselves.
Opponents contend that, considering the sport’s past of suspected bout-fixing incidents, permitting boxers to wager on themselves might further damage boxing’s already damaged reputation. On the other hand, advocates contend that open betting, as opposed to covert activities, may reduce the likelihood of corruption.
Whatever the outcome of the argument, Ryan Garcia’s audacious decision has paid off handsomely, strengthening his bank account and securing his place in boxing history.
