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.
Devin Haney aims to regain momentum in clash with Jose Ramirez
Okay, onto the next one!
Devin Haney makes his welterweight debut, facing a fellow former super-lightweight champion: Jose Ramirez.
Of course, Haney’s loss to Garcia was overturned to a No Contest last year – meaning Haney stayed unbeaten – but the “Dream” will feel he needs to regain some momentum here, after being dropped thrice by “King Ryan”.
A rematch between Haney and Garcia is on the line for each if they win tonight.
Teofimo Lopez retains WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Lopez: “You know me, guys, I go after the tough challenges. And yeah definitely [...] I want to see ‘Boots’ [Jaron Ennis].
“I’m Dora The Explorer, and I’m looking for Boots.”
Lopez teasing a welterweight venture!
Teofimo Lopez retains WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Teofimo Lopez def. Arnold Barboza Jr via unanimous decision (116-112, 116-112, 118-110)
I’d argue those first two scorecards were too close!
It was almost all Lopez tonight.
After all the taunting, he and Barboza – beaten for the first time – share some respect.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Round 12
Final round! Can Barboza produce the kind of one-punch knockout he needs?
One minute gone, no joy so far.
Another minute gone.
Barboza starts to get through, but Lopez dances anyway, despite eating shots and sporting more swelling.
Lopez with some success of his own.
Final bell sounds!
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Round 11
Barboza needs something big here. More dancing from Lopez, but the challenger doesn’t throw at him.
Lopez brings out the Ali shuffle now!
Barboza lands something on the bell and lets out a “woo!” He’s well behind here, though.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Round 10
Barboza must’ve been told he needs to make something happen here. He closes range and lets his hands go, seemingly fine with making things a bit messy.
Both men land in a frantic exchange. Then the pace slows, and Lopez mocks Barboza over a missed punch.
Barboza drops his own gloves, mirroring Lopez, but the champion doesn’t bite.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Round nine
Reverse one-two from Lopez. Flurry to the body now. Barboza stalks forward, while Lopez dances against the ropes and is warned by the ref for holding the top one.
More straight shots from Teo, landing to the body this time.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Round eight
Both men just miss with right crosses.
Lopez walks Barboza onto a jab, then slings a fine cross at the body.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Round seven
Lopez looks calm, and he connects with a few clean crosses.
He is sporting a cut under his left eye, though, from that major shot in the last round.
Well-timed counter jab by Barboza, after a spell of unsuccessful pressure.
Oh! Wonderful counter cross by Lopez, right on the bell!
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Round six
Oh! Barboza crashes in a cross, and Lopez’s expression changes!
He retreats to the rope and is breathing with his mouth open...
Can that be a game-changer for Barboza? He’s trying to capitalise but without rushing anything.
Lopez largely seems to be okay... but his legs buckled under that shot.
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