Romero Stuns Garcia in Times Square Boxing Showdown/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ryan Garcia’s much-hyped return to boxing ended in a surprising unanimous decision loss to Rolando “Rolly” Romero Friday night in a surreal Times Square setting. Despite entering in a Batmobile, Garcia struggled with both the logistics and the atmosphere. Meanwhile, Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez scored dominant wins, maintaining their trajectories toward a potential megafight.
Times Square Boxing Night Quick Looks:
- Romero defeats Garcia by unanimous decision (115-112, 118-109)
- Garcia dropped in Round 2, struggled throughout the fight
- Garcia: “It felt like a sparring match”
- Times Square venue featured celebrity impersonators, Elmo, and live drummers
- Devin Haney wins vs. Jose Ramirez, Teofimo Lopez defeats Arnold Barboza Jr.
- Garcia’s first fight since PED suspension and overturned Haney win
- Lopez: “Felt bigger as the night went on”
- Possible Haney vs. Romero matchup uncertain
Deep Look: Rolando Romero Drops, Outpoints Ryan Garcia in Wild Times Square Fight
NEW YORK (AP) – In a boxing event unlike any other, Rolando “Rolly” Romero floored and then defeated Ryan Garcia by unanimous decision Friday night in the middle of Times Square, capping off one of the most unorthodox nights in recent fight history.
Despite his flashy arrival in a Batmobile, Garcia was quickly brought down to Earth — literally — by a crushing left hand in Round 2 that sent him sprawling on the canvas under Manhattan’s bright lights.
“Wham! Pow!” the arena’s big screens and energy captured the moment as Romero (17-2) seized control early.
Romero Reigns While Garcia Struggles
Garcia (24-2), returning from a year-long suspension for PEDs that overturned his win over Devin Haney, looked sluggish and out of sync. He later admitted the setting and logistics played a part in his performance.
“It felt like a sparring match,” Garcia said. “You could hear everyone. It just didn’t feel authentic.”
Even Garcia’s Batmobile had to pause at traffic lights en route from his hotel to the ring.
The unconventional venue lacked the crowd energy Garcia thrives on. With limited ringside seating and fans fenced off across the street, the atmosphere felt subdued despite the electric location.
Judges’ Scores and Reaction
- 115-112 (twice) and 118-109 in favor of Romero
- Romero grew in confidence late, while Garcia couldn’t answer with power
- Garcia praised Romero’s performance but showed signs of mental fatigue
“That whole year took a lot off my body physically and mentally,” Garcia admitted.
Haney and Lopez Keep Winning
While Garcia faltered, both Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez delivered expected wins:
- Haney (32-0) outclassed Jose Ramirez (29-3) via unanimous decision
- Lopez (22-1) defended his junior welterweight title against Arnold Barboza Jr.
Lopez, a Brooklyn native, made his entrance in a yellow New York taxi, celebrating with fans beneath the Times Square ball drop — a fitting backdrop for his hometown triumph.
Not Your Average Fight Night
The Times Square fight card broke every boxing norm:
- Fighters arrived in character vehicles — Garcia in a Batmobile, Lopez in a yellow cab
- Celebrity impersonators (Snoop Dogg, Hulk Hogan, Michael Jackson) replaced ring girls
- Elmo costumes, live drummers, and jumbotrons replaced traditional stadium backdrops
- The ring sat in a blocked-off pocket of 7th Avenue, with traffic briefly stopped as fighters crossed
The unique setting was the vision of Turki Alalshikh, head of Riyadh Season and Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, who acquired Ring Magazine and aimed to bring boxing to unexpected places.
“It wasn’t as big as I expected,” said Lopez, “but it felt bigger as the night went on.”
What’s Next?
Romero, previously knocked out by Gervonta Davis, played it humble after his career-best win. He downplayed immediate title aspirations or a clash with Haney, saying:
“I think Devin and Ryan should get their rematch and make a big one.”
But questions loom large for Garcia:
- Has the PED suspension permanently impacted his performance?
- Will fans still demand a Haney rematch?
- Was Times Square’s novelty more distraction than promotion?
One thing is certain — Romero’s left hand and a Times Square canvas made for the most unforgettable image in boxing this year.
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