EXCLUSIVE
Bernard Hopkins has given Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney the secrets to his boxing longevity.
Haney and Garcia will touch gloves in a WBC super-lightweight title clash on April 20, with the two American fighters considered particularly prominent stars in the boxing world right now.
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Garcia, in particular, has built a huge reputation but has warned fans he could retire at just 27 years old if he is stopped by his rival.
Retired two-weight world champion Bernard Hopkins had a hugely successful 28-year career spanning from 1988 to 2016, while mixing it with some fellow greats including Oscar De La Hoya and Joe Calazaghe.
And he believes Garcia and Haney need to try to keep to healthy lifestyles if they are to have sustained success in the squared circle.
When asked if he had advice for the pair, he told talkSPORT.com: "These guys they need to hit and not get hit.
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"They are mostly good at that anyway, but they need to be conscious of what they put in your body.
"What you eat is what you are when it comes to longevity. You have to put time and investment in yourself.
"Boxing is a short window for most, I was one of the rare historic fighters that did 30 years in the game.
"It is a good question, but you need to always be ready and you can do that by keeping your body ready and keeping your body in shape.
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"Both guys are fighting each other for the seventh time, but one guy [Garcia] has experience of understanding the road to greatness will not be easy.
"And Haney has a chance to experience that, so I see it that Garcia has one up on Haney."
Devin Haney shoves Ryan Garcia in heated first face-off before grudge fight
Garcia has already been stopped once by Davis in his last fight in April 2023, so will be hoping for a dramatic turnaround.
Meanwhile Haney remains undefeated in his illustrious career, and has made no such mention of retirement.
His rival has attracted concern after a series of bizarre posts on social media, including claiming he was high during an interview.
But despite the WBC investigating the situation, he has been cleared to fight and will be eyeing a historic win.
Tensions have already risen to the maximum, with Haney having shoved Garcia in a heated first face-off.
A win for either fighter could set up a huge unification clash with Isaac Cruz who is being hailed as Mexico's Mike Tyson and has already issued a call-out.
Devin Haney vs Ryan Garcia will be live on talkSPORT from 4am on Sunday morning.
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