Ryan Garcia's return to the boxing ring on May 2, 2025, was set against a vibrant backdrop in Times Square, New York City, but it turned into a night of unexpected twists and turns. The 26-year-old Californian, who had been sidelined for a year due to a failed drug test, faced off against Rolando 'Rolly' Romero in a highly anticipated bout for the WBA's second-tier championship at 147 pounds. What was supposed to be a triumphant comeback quickly turned into a shocking upset as Romero claimed victory by unanimous decision.
As the event kicked off, fans were buzzing with excitement, especially with the co-main event featuring Devin Haney taking on Jose Carlos Ramirez, and Teofimo Lopez defending his title against Arnold Barboza Jr. Jim Lampley, the iconic commentator, returned to the ringside for the first time in over six years, adding a nostalgic touch to the evening. His presence alone heightened the stakes of the night.
Garcia, who was once viewed as the potential "Face of Boxing," entered the ring with a flair befitting his reputation. He rolled in, quite literally, in a Batmobile, ready to electrify the crowd. However, the fight took a turn in the second round when Romero landed a powerful left hook that sent Garcia to the canvas. Although he managed to recover, the knockdown seemed to change the dynamic of the fight.
Garcia's performance was significantly hampered by the early setback. He adopted a more cautious approach, opting for a jab-centric strategy rather than the aggressive style that fans had come to expect from him. This shift ultimately limited his chances of reclaiming control of the fight. After 12 rounds, the judges scored the bout 115-112, 115-112, and a surprising 118-109 in favor of Romero.
“He caught me early, no excuses. Hats off to Rolly,” Garcia said post-fight. He acknowledged the toll that a year away from the ring had taken on him, stating, “(The year layoff) took a lot of my body, both physically and mentally.” The bout was statistically notable for being the third-lowest punch output between fighters in a 12-round match, which underscored the cautious nature of both boxers.
In the co-main event, Devin Haney faced Jose Carlos Ramirez. Haney, despite winning the match by a wide margin, failed to impress the audience or the commentators. He showcased speed and skill, but his performance lacked the drama expected from a fighter of his caliber. Lampley noted the fight's lack of excitement, suggesting that Haney seemed to be suffering from a “hangover” effect from his previous bout with Garcia, where he had been knocked down multiple times.
“Round after round of the same thing, not a moment of drama. If ever a fight between two high-quality fighters was capable of inducing a snooze or a nap in Times Square, this was it,” Lampley remarked, highlighting the disconnect between Haney's performance and the audience's expectations.
Meanwhile, Teofimo Lopez managed to shine amidst the mixed reviews of the night. He faced Arnold Barboza Jr., who came in undefeated at 32-0. Lopez, however, showcased his superior speed and boxing craft, winning a one-sided decision to retain his WBO world title. He outworked Barboza, throwing 137 more punches and landing 56 more, winning eight of the twelve rounds on two scorecards and ten on another.
“I feel great. I feel reborn,” Lopez said, exuding confidence as he called out welterweight champion Jaron "Boots" Ennis in a creative and entertaining fashion. His performance provided a much-needed highlight for the night, contrasting sharply with the more subdued outcomes of the other fights.
In a lighter matchup, Japanese debutant Reito Tsutsumi faced Levale Whittington and impressed the audience with his skills, earning a unanimous decision victory. Tsutsumi, compared to the likes of pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue, showed that he could hold his own on a big stage, consistently closing distance and demonstrating effective punch placement throughout the six rounds.
The night also featured a unique exhibition match between FDNY firefighter James Gennari and NYPD officer Joel Allen, with Gennari winning by unanimous decision. This match added a community flavor to the event, showcasing local heroes in a friendly competition.
Despite the excitement of the fights, there were some logistical issues that left fans wanting more. The outdoor setting in Times Square, while iconic, limited access for many fans, as only invited guests were allowed inside the fenced area. This led to social media posts highlighting the disappointment of those who were unable to attend the event live.
Overall, the boxing card at Times Square on May 2, 2025, was a mixed bag. While Romero's victory over Garcia served as a significant upset, the night was marked by a lack of thrilling moments in several matches, particularly in the co-main event featuring Haney. With Lampley back in the commentary booth, the atmosphere was charged with nostalgia and anticipation, yet the outcomes left many fans questioning the futures of the fighters involved.
As the dust settles from this historic night, fans are left wondering what’s next for Ryan Garcia, who now must regroup after a disappointing return to the ring. Meanwhile, Romero's victory positions him as a serious contender in the welterweight division, while Lopez continues to solidify his status as a top fighter in the super lightweight category. The boxing world will be watching closely as these fighters navigate their careers in the aftermath of this memorable evening in the heart of New York City.
