close
close

Bernard Hopkins ignites a religious war in the Garcia-Haney fight with a controversial comment caught on camera

THe Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney fight divided public opinion in many ways fighting style Unpleasant race Unpleasant religion. They settled their differences in the ring, but former world champion Bernard Hopkins let their beef continue after the final bell with a controversial religious comment mocking Haney’s beliefs.

Bernard Hopkins mocks Muslim Haney

While the cameras were on alert Ryan Garcia To announce him as the winner of the fight, Hopkins stood at the edge of the screen to provoke Devin Haney‘s father and trainer, Bill Haneyby mocking his own Islamic beliefs.

Hopkins shouted “Allahu Akbar“towards Haney, with body language that didn’t suggest he was messaging him enlightening message with the phrase meaning “God is the greatest.”

That’s the wildest thing Hopkins himself converted to Islam, leaving viewers of the incident torn about his intentions and his credibility for hurling the line at Haney. However, if there was any doubt about his motive, it was erased when he followed the insult by trying to quit Ryan Garcia’s father of shaking Bill Haney’s hand.

The role of religion in the Garcia-Haney battle

Just like his father, Devin Haney is a practicing Muslim. He came under fire not fasting during Ramadan while training for the fight against Garcia, but he defended his beliefs against the criticism.

In the meantime, Garcia battled his own demons ahead of the blockbuster fight. The 25-year-old was reportedly kidnapped as the kidnappers left demonic messages up social media accounts.

He repeatedly made religious references as he stoked the fight, such as his Instagram post three days earlier with the caption: “Come on and look at me take out the devil. 4/20 it’s over. JESUS ​​LOVES YOU.”

Did Hopkins cross the line, or was this brewing all along? Regardless, he found a way to keep the beef alive even after Garcia had done his talk in the ring.