Mike Tyson, the former heavyweight champion, will join the broadcast team as a guest analyst. Tyson shared his excitement on social media, posting "Can't wait! I'll be there in Times Square as guest analyst." The boxing legend will likely earn a hefty paycheck for his appearance. Celebrity Talent International suggests Tyson's fee for speaking engagements ranges from $150,000 to $200,000. Given the high profile of this event, he could pocket even more.
Legendary commentator Jim Lampley will make his return to the mic after a six-year break. Lampley's voice became synonymous with HBO's World Championship Boxing during his long career. His comeback adds another layer of excitement for longtime boxing fans.
The fight marks a first for Times Square, which has never hosted a boxing event of this scale before. A custom arena will be set up for a select group of 100-300 VIP guests, while millions more will tune in via DAZN.
For Ryan Garcia, this fight offers a chance at redemption. The young star tested positive for banned substances after his bout with Devin Haney, resulting in fines, suspension, and the loss of over $1 million from his previous purse. He'll be eager to put that controversy behind him and reclaim his image in the ring.
Turki Alalshikh, the Chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, plays a key role behind the scenes in organizing this event. His influence and financial backing helped bring Lampley out of retirement and secure other big names for the production.
"Fatal Fury" borrows its name from the iconic video game franchise, adding a nostalgic touch for fans of both boxing and gaming.
This high-profile event brings together elite talent both in and out of the ring. While Garcia and Romero will battle for glory, Tyson cashes in, and boxing as a whole stands to benefit from the global attention. It's shaping up to be a night that fans won't want to miss.