In what could be called the most surprising upset in recent boxing memory, Rolando “Rolly” Romero delivered a stunning performance, defeating Ryan Garcia by unanimous decision in front of thousands of spectators at a one-of-a-kind outdoor boxing event in Times Square. The fight, which was promoted as a high-profile showdown, had fans on the edge of their seats, but it was Romero who came out victorious, establishing himself as a serious contender in the welterweight division.
A Knockout Blow in Round Two and an Unexpected Turn of Events
The fight got off to a dramatic start when Romero dropped Garcia with a double left hook in the second round. The Las Vegas-based fighter, who entered the ring as a 6-1 underdog, showcased incredible skill and composure, controlling the fight for the rest of the 12-round bout. Judges scored the fight 115-112 twice and 118-109 in favor of Romero, with the Guardian giving him a 116-111 edge.
Garcia, who was making his return to the ring after a year-long suspension for a failed drug test, struggled throughout the fight. The 26-year-old, who had previously been a rising star in the sport, managed only 54 punches across 12 rounds — one of the lowest combined punch totals ever tracked by Compubox. His timing and output were off, and he never seemed to recover after being knocked down early.
“I just think that whole year off took a lot off my body, physically and mentally,” Garcia said after the loss. “I’m just happy I made it into the ring and fought 12 rounds. Hats off to Rolly. He did a great job.”
Romero’s Strategy and Garcia’s Struggles in the Ring
Romero, fighting under renowned trainer Ismael Salas, displayed a surprising amount of patience and tactical awareness. Mixing body shots with lead hooks, he neutralized Garcia’s powerful left hook, which had previously been a key weapon in his arsenal. Garcia, on the other hand, could not find his rhythm or regain the confidence that had propelled him to fame before his suspension.
The loss came as a significant blow to Garcia, who had hoped to set up a rematch with Devin Haney later this year. Instead, Romero’s performance raised doubts about Garcia’s future in the sport and his ability to bounce back from such a setback.
Romero’s Big Win and What’s Next for Garcia and Haney
For Romero, the win was monumental, propelling him into the conversation for a potential fight with Devin Haney. Romero now holds the WBA’s secondary welterweight title and has a growing list of options for future bouts. His performance could elevate him to superstardom in a division filled with stars.
Meanwhile, Garcia’s future remains uncertain. The fight had originally been billed as a potential springboard for his upcoming rematch with Haney, but now, those plans seem to be on hold — if not completely dead in the water. The question remains: can Garcia regroup after such a major defeat, or is this the beginning of a long road back to relevance?
Haney Dominates Ramírez in Co-Main Event
In the co-main event, Devin Haney, fresh off the Garcia controversy, cruised to a unanimous decision victory over former unified champion José Ramírez. Haney’s performance was precise and methodical, as he kept Ramírez at bay with sharp counters and intelligent movement. The judges scored the fight 119-109 (twice) and 118-110, as Haney improved to 32-0.
“Haney looked composed and sharp, even without the drama and exchanges that typically define his fights,” said an analyst at ringside. “This was a calculated win, and it solidified his place as one of the top fighters in the world.”
Teófimo López Shines in Early Action
Teófimo López kicked off the tripleheader with an impressive victory over Arnold Barboza Jr. in a bout for the WBO 140lb title. López outpointed Barboza by unanimous decision, with scores of 118-110 and 116-112 twice. The Brooklyn native showed flashes of his old self, displaying energy and control over 12 rounds. His performance may have set the stage for an exciting showdown with Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, a matchup that promoter Eddie Hearn teased could be in the works.
A Historic Event in Times Square
The event itself marked a historic milestone in the world of boxing. Staged in partnership with Ring Magazine and backed by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, the event was the first-ever major boxing card to be held in the heart of Times Square. The atmosphere was electric as thousands of fans packed the area, watching the fights unfold under the bright lights of Manhattan’s busiest intersection.
Fighters arrived in style, with López traveling by yellow taxi and Garcia rolling up in a Batmobile. Celebrity impersonators, including Hulk Hogan and Michael Jackson, replaced traditional ring card girls, adding to the spectacle. The backdrop of Times Square, with its massive LED screens and flashing advertisements, made for a truly unforgettable experience for boxing fans and tourists alike.
Where Does This Leave Garcia and the Boxing Landscape?
The shocking upset has left the boxing world buzzing, with many wondering what the future holds for Ryan Garcia. With a career marked by controversy and setbacks, it’s unclear if Garcia can recover and reclaim his place among the sport’s elite. However, one thing is for certain: the rise of Rolando Romero has added an exciting new dimension to the welterweight division.
As boxing fans eagerly await what comes next, Romero’s win has shaken up the landscape, making the division even more unpredictable and thrilling.
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