Ryan Garcia and Rolando Romero are set to face off in a groundbreaking boxing event. The fight will take place on May 2 in Times Square, New York City, marking the first ever boxing card held in this iconic location.
Garcia, known as "King Ry," comes into the fight with a complicated recent history. He's just coming off a one-year suspension after testing positive for ostarine, a banned substance. The suspension cost him over $1 million in fines. His last fight, against Devin Haney at the Barclays Center in New York, ended in controversy. Garcia initially won by majority decision, even flooring Haney several times. But the result was later changed to a no-contest due to Garcia's positive test.
Now, Garcia will step into the ring against "Rolly" Romero for the WBA 'regular' world welterweight title. The card features some other big names too. Devin Haney will take on Jose Ramirez in a non-title welterweight showdown. And Teofimo Lopez will defend his WBO super-lightweight title for the third time against mandatory challenger Arnold Barboza Jr.
Canelo Alvarez, the unified super-middleweight champion and Garcia's stablemate, has voiced his support for "King Ry". In an interview with Seconds Out, Canelo didn't mince words:
"Oh he's [Garcia] going to win, he's going to win by knockout."
Looking ahead, there's talk of a rematch between Garcia and Haney before the end of 2025. But first, both fighters need to come through their May 2 bouts without any issues.
This Times Square event promises to be a landmark moment in boxing history. With high-profile fights and the unique setting, it's sure to grab attention from fans and casual observers alike.
