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.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Round five
More showboating from Teo, who lands in some scrappier exchanges in this round, as does Barboza.
Lopez briefly goes southpaw, after landing a pair of strong crosses from orthodox.
Now he goes to the body before dancing around again.
Barboza must be very frustrated.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Round four
Lots of near-misses from both boxers, until Lopez squeezes a cross through. His head movement and footwork have been very impressive up to this point.
A couple of snapping jabs from Barboza.
He’s unbeaten, yet although it’s still early in this one, it’s trending Lopez’s way.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Round three
Barboza presses forward in the third. His nose has been red since round one, but the right side of Lopez’s face is also reddened.
Lopez is largely proving evasive in this round, but Barboza times a couple of crosses nicely – from his preferred, orthodox stance now.
Lopez’s jab is well out of range, but he’s also getting Barboza to bite hard on feints. Now a lovely counter shot as Barboza crashes forward!
Great rear uppcercut from Teo, who dances afterwards, showing his confidence.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Round two
Lopez closes range in sneaky fashion and throws a grazing cross; Barboza manages to avoid the worst of it.
Flurries from Lopez now, while Barboza is favouring single shots – crisp jabs a lot of the time, some of them to the body.
Lopez tries a couple more combinations, but Barboza manages range well and keeps his hands high.
Teofimo Lopez defends WBO super-lightweight belt against Arnold Barboza Jr
Round one
Lots of activity from both men early doors, though it’s Lopez with the more eye-catching work, including a hard overhand right on Barboza, who is stood southpaw for now.
Lopez with his hands low as usual. He darts in and out for a couple of swift combinations, but Barboza does time some decent counters!
Fun first round.
Times Square first, Alcatraz next? Strange new steps in Saudi boxing saga
If sportswashing is largely about optics, tonight’s event makes sense.
The visuals of a boxing ring in Times Square might make for iconic photos that stand the test of time, yet the lack of a proper present audience will surely offset that element in the moment. At least Eubank Jr and Benn got to fight in front of a raucous home crowd at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
For what it’s worth, Alalshikh has said he wants to do Alcatraz Island next, the maximum-security prison operational between 1934 and 1963 (now a museum), which counted American gangster Al Capone among its most famous inmates.
And as audacious as that prospect appears, you would be brave to bet against the Saudi adviser making it happen.
Full preview:
Times Square first, Alcatraz Island next? The strange new steps in Saudi boxing saga
Times Square first, Alcatraz next? Strange new steps in Saudi boxing saga
Tonight, one of the strangest events in boxing history will play out in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Three of the sport’s biggest Stateside stars will compete in Times Square, all in testing match-ups.
It is an intriguing idea and an alluring event, yet while “heart” applies to the matter of location, that might be the extent of the soul involved. The latest details suggest that this fight card will be invite-only, so expect the boxers, their teams and select media, but very few fans – if any.
In that sense, the atmosphere might mimic those at Saudi Arabian events in recent years: subdued. Fittingly so, too, given this card will be staged by The Ring magazine, which was recently purchased by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh.
Full preview:
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments