Boxing at Time Square: Ryan Garcia suffers major upset against Rolly Romero
In a stunning upset on May 2, 2025, Rolando “Rolly” Romero defeated Ryan Garcia by unanimous decision in the main event of the “Fatal Fury in Times Square” boxing card. The fight, held in the heart of New York City, marked Garcia’s return to the ring after a year-long suspension due to a failed drug test.
Romero, entering as a significant underdog, knocked Ryan Garcia down in the second round and maintained control throughout the bout. The judges scored the fight 115–112 (twice) and 118–109 in Romero’s favor, handing Garcia his second professional loss and casting doubt on a potential rematch with Devin Haney.
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In the co-main event, Devin Haney delivered a dominant performance against José Ramírez, winning by unanimous decision in his debut above 140 pounds and improving his record to 32–0. Haney’s victory keeps alive the possibility of a future rematch with Garcia, though Garcia’s recent loss complicates those plans.
The event also featured Teófimo López successfully defending his WBO junior welterweight title against Arnold Barboza Jr., winning by unanimous decision. Additionally, Japanese prospect Reito Tsutsumi made his professional debut with a unanimous decision victory over Levale Whittington.
The “Fatal Fury in Times Square” event, sponsored by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and Ring Magazine, was the first major boxing show held in Times Square. The spectacle included celebrity lookalikes and continued traffic nearby, suggesting a new era of innovative boxing venues may be on the horizon.
Romero’s victory over Ryan Garcia not only boosts his standing in the welterweight division but also disrupts the anticipated Garcia-Haney rematch. As Garcia contemplates his next steps following a challenging comeback, Romero’s performance has firmly placed him in the spotlight.
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