In a stunning upset that left the boxing world buzzing, Rolando "Rolly" Romero scored a unanimous decision victory over Ryan Garcia in a highly anticipated welterweight bout held in New York's iconic Times Square on May 2, 2025. The judges scored the fight 115-112, 115-112, and 118-109 in favor of Romero, who improved his record to 17-2 with 13 knockouts.
The fight, part of the Fatal Fury card, began with high expectations, especially for Garcia, who was returning to the ring after a year-long suspension due to a failed drug test. Garcia, who came into the bout with a record of 24-2 and 20 knockouts, was seen as the favorite, but Romero quickly turned the tables.
Romero shocked the crowd by knocking Garcia down in the second round with a powerful left hook. This early knockdown set the tone for the fight, as Garcia struggled to regain his rhythm. "He caught me early. No excuses, man," Garcia admitted after the fight. "I just think that whole year took a lot off my body, physically and mentally. I’m just happy that I made it to the ring and went 12 rounds."
Despite the setback, Garcia attempted to rally but never seemed to find his footing. The fight was marked by a surprisingly low output from both fighters, with a total of only 490 punches thrown, the third-lowest in CompuBox history for a 12-round fight. Garcia outlanded Romero 65 to 54, but the lack of aggression from Garcia was evident throughout the bout.
Romero, who had been labeled a 7-to-1 underdog prior to the fight, utilized a conservative yet effective strategy. He boxed carefully and maintained a tight defense, which limited Garcia’s opportunities to unleash his signature left hook. "Knockdowns always help a fight," Romero said after the match. "I think Ryan and Devin should get their rematch and get a big one."
As the rounds progressed, Garcia appeared hesitant and less willing to engage, likely influenced by the early knockdown and Romero's power. The atmosphere in Times Square was electric, but the action in the ring was often subdued, with both fighters exchanging jabs and occasional power shots without any sustained momentum.
The co-main event featured Devin Haney, who faced Jose Ramirez in a lackluster performance. Haney won by unanimous decision with scores of 119-109, 119-109, and 118-110, but his performance was criticized for being overly cautious and lacking excitement. This win, however, was supposed to set up a rematch with Garcia, which now hangs in the balance following Garcia's defeat.
Haney’s fight was characterized by a low-output strategy that mirrored some of the issues seen in Garcia's bout with Romero. The combined punches landed by Haney and Ramirez were just 110, highlighting the lack of action in both main events.
Teofimo Lopez also fought on the card, successfully defending his WBO light welterweight title against Arnold Barboza Jr. with a unanimous decision victory, scoring 116-112, 116-112, and 118-110. Lopez's performance was more dynamic than that of Haney, but still, the crowd was left wanting more action overall.
Garcia’s loss raises significant questions about his future in the sport. The anticipated rematch with Haney, once seen as a marquee event, is now uncertain. Garcia acknowledged the need to regroup, stating, "I just have to go to the drawing board with my team. We will talk it over and see what I'm going to do next."
As for Romero, this victory revitalizes his career and opens new doors for potential matchups. He demonstrated not only his power but also a new level of maturity in the ring, suggesting that he could be a serious contender in the welterweight division moving forward.
The event in Times Square, characterized by its unique setting and the presence of celebrity guest analysts, including Mike Tyson, will be remembered for its dramatic outcomes and the unexpected twists that unfolded in the ring. With both Garcia and Haney's futures now uncertain, the boxing world will be watching closely to see how the fallout from this event develops.
In conclusion, Romero's victory over Garcia is a significant upset that reshapes the landscape of the welterweight division. As fans and analysts alike speculate about the future matchups, one thing is clear: the drama of boxing continues to unfold in thrilling and unpredictable ways.
