On Friday night, May 2, 2025, Times Square will transform into a boxing haven as Ryan Garcia, Teofimo Lopez, and Devin Haney return to the ring for a highly anticipated fight card that promises to deliver fireworks. The event, organized by The Ring Magazine, marks Garcia's comeback after a year-long suspension due to a positive drug test, and he aims to reclaim his spot in the welterweight division with a showdown against Rolando Romero.
Garcia, known as 'King Ry', is stepping into the ring for the first time since his controversial no-contest against Devin Haney in April 2024. That fight saw Garcia knock Haney down three times before the result was overturned when Garcia tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine. "I'm coming back with a bang," Garcia declared during a recent press conference. "This is the biggest fight of my career, it's a historic fight, it means everything." With a record of 24 wins and just one loss, Garcia is eager to prove himself against Romero.
Romero, with a record of 16 wins and two losses, is not to be underestimated. He has sparred with Garcia before and claims to have won those sessions. "He got his a-- beat, twice," Romero taunted, confident in his ability to upset the odds. The odds currently favor Garcia heavily at 1/9, while Romero sits at 11/2. Garcia is expected to dominate, but Romero has the power to deliver a knockout, as highlighted by Gervonta Davis, who stated, "Rolly can hit bro, he’s the only person I felt like when he swung, it felt like bricks were in his gloves."
In the co-main event, Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) faces former unified super-lightweight world champion Jose Carlos Ramirez (7-1) in a catchweight bout at 144 pounds. Haney enters the ring as a heavy favorite at 1/12, but he hasn’t scored a knockout since 2019. Haney’s last nine fights have gone the distance, and he is likely to rely on his boxing skills to secure a decision victory, priced at 1/4. However, bet365 offers a tempting bet boost for Haney to win by decision and score two knockdowns at 8/1, which could entice some risk-takers.
Teofimo Lopez (2/5) is also in action, defending his WBO super-lightweight title against Arnold Barboza Jr. (2/1). Lopez has faced criticism following two lackluster defenses since becoming a two-division champion. This matchup is expected to be closely contested, with the fight likely going the distance, as indicated by the odds of 2/9 for a fight to go the distance. The betting community seems to favor a decision victory for Lopez at 4/5, but the fight dynamics could bring surprises.
As the night unfolds, boxing fans will be glued to their screens, especially with the event being streamed live on DAZN PPV. The main event is expected to start around 4 AM local time, with the undercard bouts kicking off earlier. Fans can purchase the event for $59.99 in the US or £21.99 in the UK, or opt for the DAZN Knockout Weekend Bundle that includes this event and the Canelo vs. Scull matchup on May 3 for a combined price.
Garcia’s return is not just about getting back in the ring; it’s about redemption and setting the stage for a much-anticipated rematch with Haney later this year, likely in October. Garcia's focus and discipline have been evident in his training, as he has cut out distractions like drinking and smoking to prepare for this pivotal fight. "When I throw, usually they go down," Garcia said, emphasizing his intention to make a statement against Romero.
With both fighters possessing knockout power and a history of sparring together, the stakes are high. Garcia is determined to silence his critics and prove that he is still a top contender in the welterweight division. Romero, on the other hand, is looking to establish himself as a legitimate threat and capitalize on any openings that arise during the fight.
The anticipation surrounding this card is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcomes that could shape the future of these fighters. Will Garcia reclaim his status, or will Romero deliver a shocking upset? As the clock ticks down to fight night, the excitement builds, and all eyes will be on Times Square for what promises to be a historic evening of boxing.
