Ryan Garcia's boxing career took a dramatic turn in Times Square, New York, on May 2, 2024. The fighter from Victorville, California, lost to Rolly Romero in a 12-round bout that left fans and critics stunned.
Just two weeks earlier, Garcia had knocked Devin Haney down three times. The victory seemed to fuel his already confident persona. Garcia's arrogance and non-stop social media activity became his trademark in the lead-up to the Romero fight.
The night of the fight started with a spectacle. Garcia rolled up in a 'Batmobile', playing up his 'King Ry' nickname. Romero, in contrast, arrived in a classic New York yellow cab, dressed like a modern version of Marty McFly from "Back to the Future".
Once the bell rang, Garcia's fighting spirit seemed to vanish. Romero took control of the ring, eventually sending Garcia to the canvas. The performance left many wondering what had happened to the Garcia they knew.
The answer lay in Garcia's recent past. He'd served a one-year suspension after testing positive for ostarine. The time away from the ring left him physically and mentally drained.
After the fight, Garcia's demeanor changed drastically. Backstage, he sat in a truck, visibly upset and crying. He told reporters:
"He did a good fight, he caught me early. No excuses. He did a great job, and that's it. I'm happy to have gotten in the ring and fought 12 rounds. I take my hat off to Rolly, he did a great job."
Garcia also acknowledged the need for change:
"I just have to start from scratch with my team, we'll talk about it and see what we do."
The loss marks a low point in Garcia's career. His recent social media posts had already raised concerns about his mental health. Now, with this defeat, he faces the challenge of rebuilding both his boxing skills and his public image.
As Garcia looks to the future, fans and boxing insiders hope this experience will lead to greater humility and a renewed focus on his craft. The road back to the top won't be easy, but it's a journey Garcia seems ready to undertake.
