Ryan Garcia gets ready to step back into the ring after a year-long suspension. The boxing star will face Rolly Romero on May 2, 2024, in New York City's Times Square as part of the 'Fatal Fury' card.
Garcia's last fight was against Devin Haney in April 2024. After that bout, he tested positive for a banned substance, leading to a one-year suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission.
The comeback fight will share the spotlight with two other big matchups. Devin Haney will take on Jose Ramirez in the co-main event, while Teofimo Lopez defends his title against Arnold Barboza Jr.
Garcia's return to boxing hasn't been without its challenges. He planned to train with Team Canelo and Eddy Reynoso, his team from 2018 to 2021. But Canelo Alvarez's upcoming fight with William Scull on May 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, threw a wrench in those plans.
For a while, Garcia trained with his father and brother. But he's now decided to work with Derrick James, the trainer from his last fight against Haney.
In a recent chat with Emily Austin for DAZN Boxing, Garcia shared his thoughts on the current boxing landscape. He named Terence Crawford as the best pound-for-pound fighter. But when it comes to the face of boxing, Garcia sees Canelo Alvarez in that role now - with himself taking over in the future.
Garcia also weighed in on the upcoming Canelo vs Crawford fight set for September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. On the Ring Champs podcast, he said:
"He (Crawford) can't beat Canelo. He didn't look that strong against Madrimov, and Madrimov isn't even big."
Garcia thinks the weight difference will give Canelo the edge in this matchup.
As "KingRy" prepares for his return, all eyes will be on Times Square to see if he can reclaim his spot in the boxing world after a year away from the ring.
