Ryan Garcia suffered a nightmare loss to Rolly Romero on Friday, potentially leaving his planned rematch with Devin Haney in tatters.
Garcia was dropped by Romero in round two and ultimately beaten on points, moments after Haney won a decision against Jose Ramirez in the very same ring in New York City.
After Haney’s victory, a triumph for Garcia would have set up a rematch of their 2024 clash, in which “King Ryan” dropped the “Dream” three times en route to a decision win, which was overturned upon the revelation that Garcia had failed a pre-fight drug test. That bout took place at super-lightweight, while the 26-year-olds made their welterweight debuts on Friday (2 May), with mixed results.
Haney won a wide decision against fellow former world champion Ramirez (119-109, 119-109, 118-110), yet he looked almost as gun-shy as the 32-year-old. Haney appeared hesitant for much of the bout, perhaps due to his disastrous evening against Garcia last time out, although he did grow into the fight with Ramirez.
In any case, Haney did enough to secure the victory and stay unbeaten, which is more than can be said of Garcia, who suffered his second professional loss. All the action took place in Times Square, the heart of New York City, where Teofimo Lopez outpointed Arnold Barboza Jr earlier in the night. Re-live the fights below.
Times Square boxing LIVE
- Ryan Garcia suffers nightmare loss to Rolly Romero in Times Square
- Romero drops Garcia in round two and beats him on points
- Win for Garcia would have set up rematch with Devin Haney
- Haney played his part by outpointing Jose Ramirez – albeit in underwhelming fashion
- Teofimo Lopez was also in action, retaining super-lightweight belt with decision over Arnold Barboza Jr
Ryan Garcia stunned by Rolly Romero in Times Square
03:17 , Alex PattleHere’s how the main event went down...
Ryan Garcia suffers shock defeat by Rolly Romero to leave Haney rematch in tatters
Ryan Garcia stunned by Rolly Romero in Times Square
02:59 , Alex PattleRomero actually says he thinks Garcia and Haney should have their rematch anyway!
Ryan Garcia stunned by Rolly Romero in Times Square
02:55 , Alex PattleGarcia: “He fought a good fight, caught me early, no excuses, man.
“He did a great job and that’s that. I just think that whole year [off] took a lot off my body physically, mentally.
“I’m just happy I made it to the ring and went 12 rounds. Hats off to Rolly, he did a great job.
“Just got to go to the drawing board with my team, we’ll talk it over and see what we do next.”
Ryan Garcia stunned by Rolly Romero in Times Square
02:50 , Alex PattleRolly Romero def. Ryan Garcia via unanimous decision (115-112, 115-112, 118-109)
Thank goodness, the judges get it right! It’s a nightmare result for Garcia, for Haney, and for the event organisers!
Garcia congratulates Romero.
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
02:46 , Alex PattleRound 12
Final round! Does Garcia need a KO? Maybe! Haney is watching on from ringside, shaking his head...
Garcia tries that signature left hook, but Romero is unfazed.
Romero fighting well behind his jab here.
We’ll go to the judges’ scorecards, where a Romero victory SHOULD await.
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
02:42 , Alex PattleRound 11
“You got to go get him. Find this s***, find it, find it, find it,” says Garcia’s coach Derrick James.
Romero buries a right hook into the midriff of Garcia as the boxers clinch.
Another hard right hook to the body by Romero, this one from range.
Good round for Romero, who may justttt be pulling clear at the perfect time...
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
02:38 , Alex PattleRound 10
Into the final three rounds. This one is still up for grabs, surely.
Romero with a left hook to the body, then he misses with a right upstairs. A left connects up top, though.
Romero swings big on an overhand and puts himself off balance
His next overhand lands, though! Good body jabs, too.
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
02:34 , Alex PattleRound nine
This one really could be scored either way. I’d have Romero up, but there might not be a lot in it – even with the knockdown in his favour.
There’s a battle of jabs, with Garcia getting the better offence in.
Romero has a better spell, then chases after Garcia and overshoots with a combination; the Americans tie up.
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
02:30 , Alex PattleRound eight
A messy exchange at close range early in round eight, with the ref soon separating the welterweights.
Garcia finds the mark with a jab up top. Romero loads up big on an overhand but justttt misses!
Both men land jabs. Romero is the slightly more active fighter at the moment.
He charges Garcia, which leads to a warning for both fighters for holding.
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
02:26 , Alex PattleRound seven
Garcia comes up short with a one-two. His next effort lands, though, to the body.
Romero is intermittently pawing at his right eye, but he manages to land a strong left hook.
Garcia with a right hook at close range, however!
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
02:22 , Alex PattleRound six
Garcia is getting closer with that left hook. He lands one upstairs, but he catches Romero on the end of it.
Good jabs from both fighters. These rounds are very close.
Romero misses with a lead uppercut, scything through the NYC air.
Nice combo of straight shots upstairs from Romero.
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
02:18 , Alex PattleRound five
Blistering start to round five.
Romero just about blocks a long lead hook and barely misses with his own overhand.
Now Romero dips into a short left hook. Not the full extent of Garcia’s power there.
Garcia hooks to the body. He goes high, and Romero just about keeps that shot at bay.
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
02:14 , Alex PattleRound four
Romero continues to jab to the body. Garcia with promising jabs to the head.
Some of the pressure from Garcia is making Romero skip around for long spells.
Garcia misses with a stabbing cross but scores with a spearing jab. Close round.
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
02:10Round three
Well, well, well. What now? We said that one of Haney, Garcia or Lopez could slip up tonight, but seemed the least likely!
Stern jab to the body by Romero. Garcia blocks one upstairs.
Romero catches a left hook. Now he’s keeping his glove high to be doubly sure.
Clubbing overhand from Garcia late in the round.
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
02:03 , Alex PattleRound two
Oh! WHAT!! Romero with a double left hook, and Garcia goes down!
He’s quickly back up and showing his frustration, but how lucid is he??
We’re back under way, and he’s almost down again, but thanks to some wrestling from Romero! The ref warns the older fighter over that.
Now Romero hammers a right hook to the body of Garcia, who is at least lucid and confident enough to keep throwing.
Big overhand by Romero. This is the fight of the night already!
Garcia with a nice left hook late in the round.
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
02:02 , Alex PattleRound one
Both men stand orthodox. Garcia is the tall man. Both hold the centre of the ring, already much different to Haney vs Ramirez.
Garcia’s left hook is the shot to watch out for tonight.
Garcia is parrying Romero’s jab well so far and landing his own more cleanly.
Garcia blocks a left hook. Romero jabs to the body twice, although he’s reaching somewhat. Now a left hook to the body of Garcia definitely lands.
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
01:59 , Alex PattleHere we go!
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
01:57So, Garcia returns here after a one-year drug ban, which saw his win against Haney overturned.
Garcia, 26, and Romero, 29, have been linked for years, and finally they square off.
Romero has two pro losses, both by stoppage, against Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz. Garcia has one loss as a pro, a stoppage by Tank.
The odds favour Garcia here, and many expect a knockout from “King Ryan”.
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
01:49Romero is in the ring, while Garcia draws nearer in... a replica of the Batmobile from Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman film!
He exits the car and makes his walk to the sound of “Superstar” by Lupe Fiasco. Fitting?
Devin Haney aims to regain momentum in clash with Jose Ramirez
01:34Round 12
Final round! Same stuff again.
“Con todo!” shouts Ramirez’s coach, urging the 32-year-old to throw “with everything”.
Ramirez obliges, but he’s not landing.
We’ll go to the scorecards.
Devin Haney def. Jose Ramirez via unanimous decision (119-109, 119-109, 118-110)
As expected. Wide yet somehow underwhelming. It wasn’t fun, it wasn’t very convincing, but Haney gets it done.
Over to you, Ryan Garcia...
Devin Haney aims to regain momentum in clash with Jose Ramirez
01:30Round 11
Lots of near-misses from both men in the penultimate round. Ramirez is setting a fast pace.
Haney with the cleaner offence as the round goes by.
Devin Haney aims to regain momentum in clash with Jose Ramirez
01:26 , Alex PattleRound 10
Ramirez jabs to the body, Haney fires back with a jab up top.
Left hook, hard right cross by Haney!
Grazing left hook from Ramirez, before he and Haney tie up near the ropes.
Short cross by Haney. Ramirez chases him around the ring but misses with some telegraphed efforts.
Devin Haney aims to regain momentum in clash with Jose Ramirez
01:22 , Alex PattleRound nine
Ramirez with a combination as he backs Haney up against the ropes, better from the Californian.
Lovely cross from Haney, who then steps away on the angle. Now a left hook as Ramirez bears down on him.
Another left hook. Double-jab, right cross. Left hook again.
Haney has certainly grown into this fight. Maybe he just needed some time to get comfortable after what happened against Garcia last year.
Devin Haney aims to regain momentum in clash with Jose Ramirez
01:18 , Alex PattleRound eight
Haney bursts forward with a cross and a left straight.
Decent lead uppercut from the Dream now, and a long rear hook to the body.
Left hook while going backwards. This is better from Haney!
Devin Haney aims to regain momentum in clash with Jose Ramirez
01:14 , Alex PattleRound seven
The sight of Haney planting his feet for a jab and left hook is almost startling. That’s how low on action the bout has been, and how anxiously mobile Haney has seemed.
Still, he’s winning!
Devin Haney aims to regain momentum in clash with Jose Ramirez
01:10 , Alex PattleRound six
Ramirez has a bit of a cut under his left eye now, seemingly from a jab.
Oh! A hook barely misses Haney, whose eyes widened there...
Haney with a one-two-three. He goes to the body afterwards.
Devin Haney aims to regain momentum in clash with Jose Ramirez
01:06 , Alex PattleRound five
After four rounds, Ramirez has landed 12 of 82 punches, per the broadcast; Haney has landed 17 of 72.
Haney connects with a cross now, then a power jab.
Ramirez tries to get going, but his offence leads to a clinch, and the ref separates the fighters.
Devin Haney aims to regain momentum in clash with Jose Ramirez
01:02 , Alex PattleRound four
The pattern of the fight continues. Neither man is especially impressive at the moment.
Haney is at least starting to throw more, round by round.
Ramirez tries to swarm Haney against the ropes, but he doesn’t land clean in a frantic moment.
As disappointing as Haney has been, Ramirez has been worse.
Devin Haney aims to regain momentum in clash with Jose Ramirez
Saturday 3 May 2025 00:58 , Alex PattleRound three
That velcro, which wasn’t strapping on Haney’s shoe, has been taped, and they’ve taped the other shoe as well. Not ideal, but hopefully it helps him.
Nice lead left hook from Haney. He misses with a right, and Ramirez lands in the pocket.
Jab, left hook from Haney. Ramirez, 32, continues to hunt the younger boxer, 26.
Grazing right cross from Haney, who still looks a bit nervy.
Devin Haney aims to regain momentum in clash with Jose Ramirez
Saturday 3 May 2025 00:54 , Alex PattleRound two
No adjustment made to Haney’s shoe. Ramirez gets right after him again.
“Fight him in the freezer,” was the advice from Bill Haney – Devin’s father and coach – after round one. Whatever that meant, Haney is still throwing barely any punches.
He eventually lets go with a couple of jabs, and a decent left hook. He misses with the next left hook, but at least he’s opening up.
Nice right cross from Haney!
Dark skies overhead in NYC now.
Devin Haney aims to regain momentum in clash with Jose Ramirez
Saturday 3 May 2025 00:50Round one
Both men stand orthodox. Ramirez presses forward early.
Very little thrown by either man after 90 seconds.
Haney is skipping away from Ramirez, but his movements are maybe a bit exaggerated – a little erratic.
Ramirez misses with a wild right hand. Haney isn’t even throwing the jab.
One of Haney’s shoe straps seems to be undone, and as silly as it sounds, I wonder if that’s bothering him.
Devin Haney aims to regain momentum in clash with Jose Ramirez
Saturday 3 May 2025 00:46Okay, onto the next one!
Devin Haney makes his welterweight debut, facing a fellow former super-lightweight champion: Jose Ramirez.
Of course, Haney’s loss to Garcia was overturned to a No Contest last year – meaning Haney stayed unbeaten – but the “Dream” will feel he needs to regain some momentum here, after being dropped thrice by “King Ryan”.
A rematch between Haney and Garcia is on the line for each if they win tonight.
Teofimo Lopez retains WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Saturday 3 May 2025 00:31 , Alex PattleLopez: “You know me, guys, I go after the tough challenges. And yeah definitely [...] I want to see ‘Boots’ [Jaron Ennis].
“I’m Dora The Explorer, and I’m looking for Boots.”
Lopez teasing a welterweight venture!
Teofimo Lopez retains WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Saturday 3 May 2025 00:29Teofimo Lopez def. Arnold Barboza Jr via unanimous decision (116-112, 116-112, 118-110)
I’d argue those first two scorecards were too close!
It was almost all Lopez tonight.
After all the taunting, he and Barboza – beaten for the first time – share some respect.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Saturday 3 May 2025 00:26 , Alex PattleRound 12
Final round! Can Barboza produce the kind of one-punch knockout he needs?
One minute gone, no joy so far.
Another minute gone.
Barboza starts to get through, but Lopez dances anyway, despite eating shots and sporting more swelling.
Lopez with some success of his own.
Final bell sounds!
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Saturday 3 May 2025 00:22 , Alex PattleRound 11
Barboza needs something big here. More dancing from Lopez, but the challenger doesn’t throw at him.
Lopez brings out the Ali shuffle now!
Barboza lands something on the bell and lets out a “woo!” He’s well behind here, though.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Saturday 3 May 2025 00:18Round 10
Barboza must’ve been told he needs to make something happen here. He closes range and lets his hands go, seemingly fine with making things a bit messy.
Both men land in a frantic exchange. Then the pace slows, and Lopez mocks Barboza over a missed punch.
Barboza drops his own gloves, mirroring Lopez, but the champion doesn’t bite.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Saturday 3 May 2025 00:14 , Alex PattleRound nine
Reverse one-two from Lopez. Flurry to the body now. Barboza stalks forward, while Lopez dances against the ropes and is warned by the ref for holding the top one.
More straight shots from Teo, landing to the body this time.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Saturday 3 May 2025 00:10 , Alex PattleRound eight
Both men just miss with right crosses.
Lopez walks Barboza onto a jab, then slings a fine cross at the body.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Saturday 3 May 2025 00:06 , Alex PattleRound seven
Lopez looks calm, and he connects with a few clean crosses.
He is sporting a cut under his left eye, though, from that major shot in the last round.
Well-timed counter jab by Barboza, after a spell of unsuccessful pressure.
Oh! Wonderful counter cross by Lopez, right on the bell!
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Saturday 3 May 2025 00:02 , Alex PattleRound six
Oh! Barboza crashes in a cross, and Lopez’s expression changes!
He retreats to the rope and is breathing with his mouth open...
Can that be a game-changer for Barboza? He’s trying to capitalise but without rushing anything.
Lopez largely seems to be okay... but his legs buckled under that shot.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Friday 2 May 2025 23:58 , Alex PattleRound five
More showboating from Teo, who lands in some scrappier exchanges in this round, as does Barboza.
Lopez briefly goes southpaw, after landing a pair of strong crosses from orthodox.
Now he goes to the body before dancing around again.
Barboza must be very frustrated.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Friday 2 May 2025 23:54 , Alex PattleRound four
Lots of near-misses from both boxers, until Lopez squeezes a cross through. His head movement and footwork have been very impressive up to this point.
A couple of snapping jabs from Barboza.
He’s unbeaten, yet although it’s still early in this one, it’s trending Lopez’s way.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Friday 2 May 2025 23:50Round three
Barboza presses forward in the third. His nose has been red since round one, but the right side of Lopez’s face is also reddened.
Lopez is largely proving evasive in this round, but Barboza times a couple of crosses nicely – from his preferred, orthodox stance now.
Lopez’s jab is well out of range, but he’s also getting Barboza to bite hard on feints. Now a lovely counter shot as Barboza crashes forward!
Great rear uppcercut from Teo, who dances afterwards, showing his confidence.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Friday 2 May 2025 23:46 , Alex PattleRound two
Lopez closes range in sneaky fashion and throws a grazing cross; Barboza manages to avoid the worst of it.
Flurries from Lopez now, while Barboza is favouring single shots – crisp jabs a lot of the time, some of them to the body.
Lopez tries a couple more combinations, but Barboza manages range well and keeps his hands high.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Friday 2 May 2025 23:42 , Alex PattleRound one
Lots of activity from both men early doors, though it’s Lopez with the more eye-catching work, including a hard overhand right on Barboza, who is stood southpaw for now.
Lopez with his hands low as usual. He darts in and out for a couple of swift combinations, but Barboza does time some decent counters!
Fun first round.
Times Square first, Alcatraz next? Strange new steps in Saudi boxing saga
Friday 2 May 2025 21:40 , Alex PattleIf sportswashing is largely about optics, tonight’s event makes sense.
The visuals of a boxing ring in Times Square might make for iconic photos that stand the test of time, yet the lack of a proper present audience will surely offset that element in the moment. At least Eubank Jr and Benn got to fight in front of a raucous home crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
For what it’s worth, Alalshikh has said he wants to do Alcatraz Island next, the maximum-security prison operational between 1934 and 1963 (now a museum), which counted American gangster Al Capone among its most famous inmates.
And as audacious as that prospect appears, you would be brave to bet against the Saudi adviser making it happen.
Full preview:
Times Square first, Alcatraz Island next? The strange new steps in Saudi boxing saga
Times Square first, Alcatraz next? Strange new steps in Saudi boxing saga
Friday 2 May 2025 21:34 , Alex PattleTonight, one of the strangest events in boxing history will play out in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Three of the sport’s biggest Stateside stars will compete in Times Square, all in testing match-ups.
It is an intriguing idea and an alluring event, yet while “heart” applies to the matter of location, that might be the extent of the soul involved. The latest details suggest that this fight card will be invite-only, so expect the boxers, their teams and select media, but very few fans – if any.
In that sense, the atmosphere might mimic those at Saudi Arabian events in recent years: subdued. Fittingly so, too, given this card will be staged by The Ring magazine, which was recently purchased by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh.
Full preview:
Times Square first, Alcatraz Island next? The strange new steps in Saudi boxing saga
