Ryan Garcia Shocked by Rolando Romero in Thrilling Times Square Upset: What It Means for Boxing’s Future

Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero achieved a stunning victory over Ryan Garcia in Times Square last Friday. This win marks a pivotal moment in Romero’s career, showcasing his skill and determination in the ring.

Romero knocked Garcia down early in the second round with a sharp left hook and maintained control throughout the fight. All judges scored the match in Romero’s favor, giving him a unanimous decision of 115-112 twice and 118-109. This victory brought Romero’s record to 17 wins, 13 of which came by knockout.

Garcia, who was returning from a year-long suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, faced significant challenges. He managed to land only 54 punches over 12 rounds, marking one of the lowest combined totals tracked by Compubox. After the fight, he reflected on his time away from the ring, saying, “I’m just happy I made it into the ring and fought 12 rounds.”

The loss puts Garcia’s planned rematch with Devin Haney on uncertain ground. He had hoped to face Haney later this year, but now those plans may be out of reach. Garcia acknowledged the impact of his absence on his performance, stating that the time off took a toll both physically and mentally.

On the other hand, Romero, trained by the well-respected Ismael Salas, displayed impressive strategy and patience, countering Garcia’s well-known left hand with a tight defense. The fight captured attention not just for the action but also for the unique setting in Times Square, a first for major boxing events.

In the co-main event, Devin Haney faced José Ramírez and scored a clear unanimous decision win. Haney, now at 32-0, demonstrated effective control and composure against the former champion.

Teófimo López also shone in his match against Arnold Barboza Jr., successfully defending his WBO title. His performance highlighted a renewed energy and focus, suggesting he’s ready for bigger challenges ahead.

The event wasn’t just about the fights. It drew thousands of fans and curious tourists to Times Square, transforming the iconic location into a vibrant boxing venue. Celebrities, from sports legends to pop culture icons, were in attendance, adding to the spectacle.

This historic boxing night—backed by the Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority—has set the stage for future fights in unique locations, and Romero’s victory may give him greater opportunities in the competitive landscape of boxing.

As the fights concluded, the buzz in the crowd suggested that this was just the beginning of something exciting for boxing fans. While Garcia reflects on his next steps, Romero’s momentum may position him as a key player in upcoming matchups, possibly including a fight against Haney. The landscape of boxing continues to evolve, with each match introducing new narratives and possibilities.



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