Garcia vs Romero LIVE: Results as ‘King Ryan’ is dropped and outpointed in Times Square
A unique event in Times Square ended with Ryan Garcia suffering a nightmare loss to Rolly Romero, after Devin Haney did his bit to set up a rematch by outpointing Jose Ramirez
Ryan Garcia suffered a nightmare loss to Rolly Romero on Friday, potentially leaving his planned rematch with Devin Haney in tatters.
Garcia was dropped by Romero in round two and ultimately beaten on points, moments after Haney won a decision against Jose Ramirez in the very same ring in New York City.
After Haney’s victory, a triumph for Garcia would have set up a rematch of their 2024 clash, in which “King Ryan” dropped the “Dream” three times en route to a decision win, which was overturned upon the revelation that Garcia had failed a pre-fight drug test. That bout took place at super-lightweight, while the 26-year-olds made their welterweight debuts on Friday (2 May), with mixed results.
Haney won a wide decision against fellow former world champion Ramirez (119-109, 119-109, 118-110), yet he looked almost as gun-shy as the 32-year-old. Haney appeared hesitant for much of the bout, perhaps due to his disastrous evening against Garcia last time out, although he did grow into the fight with Ramirez.
In any case, Haney did enough to secure the victory and stay unbeaten, which is more than can be said of Garcia, who suffered his second professional loss. All the action took place in Times Square, the heart of New York City, where Teofimo Lopez outpointed Arnold Barboza Jr earlier in the night. Re-live the fights below.
Ryan Garcia stunned by Rolly Romero in Times Square
Romero actually says he thinks Garcia and Haney should have their rematch anyway!
Ryan Garcia stunned by Rolly Romero in Times Square
Garcia: “He fought a good fight, caught me early, no excuses, man.
“He did a great job and that’s that. I just think that whole year [off] took a lot off my body physically, mentally.
“I’m just happy I made it to the ring and went 12 rounds. Hats off to Rolly, he did a great job.
“Just got to go to the drawing board with my team, we’ll talk it over and see what we do next.”
Ryan Garcia stunned by Rolly Romero in Times Square
Rolly Romero def. Ryan Garcia via unanimous decision (115-112, 115-112, 118-109)
Thank goodness, the judges get it right! It’s a nightmare result for Garcia, for Haney, and for the event organisers!
Garcia congratulates Romero.
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
Round 12
Final round! Does Garcia need a KO? Maybe! Haney is watching on from ringside, shaking his head...
Garcia tries that signature left hook, but Romero is unfazed.
Romero fighting well behind his jab here.
We’ll go to the judges’ scorecards, where a Romero victory SHOULD await.
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
Round 11
“You got to go get him. Find this s***, find it, find it, find it,” says Garcia’s coach Derrick James.
Romero buries a right hook into the midriff of Garcia as the boxers clinch.
Another hard right hook to the body by Romero, this one from range.
Good round for Romero, who may justttt be pulling clear at the perfect time...
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
Round 10
Into the final three rounds. This one is still up for grabs, surely.
Romero with a left hook to the body, then he misses with a right upstairs. A left connects up top, though.
Romero swings big on an overhand and puts himself off balance
His next overhand lands, though! Good body jabs, too.
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
Round nine
This one really could be scored either way. I’d have Romero up, but there might not be a lot in it – even with the knockdown in his favour.
There’s a battle of jabs, with Garcia getting the better offence in.
Romero has a better spell, then chases after Garcia and overshoots with a combination; the Americans tie up.
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
Round eight
A messy exchange at close range early in round eight, with the ref soon separating the welterweights.
Garcia finds the mark with a jab up top. Romero loads up big on an overhand but justttt misses!
Both men land jabs. Romero is the slightly more active fighter at the moment.
He charges Garcia, which leads to a warning for both fighters for holding.
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
Round seven
Garcia comes up short with a one-two. His next effort lands, though, to the body.
Romero is intermittently pawing at his right eye, but he manages to land a strong left hook.
Garcia with a right hook at close range, however!
Ryan Garcia headlines unique Times Square event against Rolly Romero
Round six
Garcia is getting closer with that left hook. He lands one upstairs, but he catches Romero on the end of it.
Good jabs from both fighters. These rounds are very close.
Romero misses with a lead uppercut, scything through the NYC air.
Nice combo of straight shots upstairs from Romero.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments