In a stunning upset at New York’s Times Square, Ryan Garcia, the Mexican-American boxer, faced a shocking points loss to Rolando Romero. This unexpected outcome has dashed hopes for a rematch with fellow boxer Devin Haney, whom Garcia was slated to face next. Garcia, at just 26 years of age, was already considered a prominent figure in the boxing world, but he stumbled during this welterweight bout, thus delaying his anticipated redemption story following a doping ban.
The match unfolded dramatically, with Garcia being dropped in the second round by a powerful left hook from Romero, 29. Romero, the underdog, showcased an impressive performance and was awarded a unanimous decision victory, with the judges scoring the fight 115-112, 115-112, and a remarkable 118-109 in favor of Romero. In his post-fight comments, Garcia graciously acknowledged Romero’s skill, stating, “He fought a good fight; caught me early. No excuses, man. Congrats to him – he did a great job.”
This was not Garcia’s first fight since returning to the ring; in fact, it was his comeback match following a year-long suspension due to a positive test for the banned substance ostarine after his victory over Haney in April 2024, which was later declared a no-contest. Reflecting on this challenging year, Garcia lamented, “A whole year took a lot of my body physically and mentally,” expressing his desire to go back to the drawing board for improvement.
While Garcia’s contention for the super lightweight title was unfolding, Devin Haney managed to keep up his end of the bargain with a monotonous yet unanimous triumph over compatriot Jose Carlos Ramirez. Despite winning the match, Haney’s performance lacked excitement and engagement, as both fighters seemed reluctant to take risks. Haney was particularly criticized for not capitalizing on opportunities, with the bout ultimately being described as forgettable—a sentiment echoed by former champion Josh Taylor, who remarked that Haney looked “terrified” and “frantic” during the fight.
The energy at Times Square, a revered venue known for its vibrant atmosphere, was largely sapped by Haney’s performance, though it caught a second wind after the climactic events of the Garcia-Romero bout. Romero’s fight was a feast of punch exchanges, with the decisive left hook that knocked Garcia down serving as a pivotal moment in the matchup. Throughout the early rounds, it became evident that both fighters were tentative. Romero, however, utilized his jab more effectively, edging rounds and showcasing an impressive tactical approach. His trainer, Derrick James, urged him to “get busy” before the championship rounds, yet Garcia remained hesitant even as the fight progressed.
In another highlight of the evening, former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney took a backseat role in the ring, watching as two-weight world champion Teofimo Lopez defended his WBO light-welterweight title successfully against Arnold Barboza Jr. With this loss, Ryan Garcia finds himself at a crossroads in his career, grappling with both the disappointment of his defeat and the uncertain future of his boxing aspirations.
The event itself represented a unique point in the world of boxing, as it showcased a ring set up in the heart of Times Square, merging sports and entertainment in a way never before seen within a major global city. Remarkably, fighters were transported through New York’s bustling streets in unconventional vehicles, including classic yellow taxis and even a Batmobile for Garcia.
This innovative approach to boxing at such an iconic location may foreshadow a new trend in the sport, as it not only attracted the attention of fans but also showcased the possibilities of boxing being presented in groundbreaking formats. Promoters have hinted at adventurous future events, potentially including a boxing card at the notorious Alcatraz prison in San Francisco. Such developments signal a bold new age for the sport, aiming to blend spectacle and athleticism in ways that engage wider audiences beyond traditional boxing fans.
In conclusion, Ryan Garcia’s unexpected loss serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the constant evolution within the boxing world. As fans reflect on this dramatic event, it’s clear that both Garcia and Haney will have to navigate their respective paths moving forward in a highly competitive landscape.