Welcome back to boxing, Ryan Garcia … with a nasty punch to the face.
Rolando “Rolly’’ Romero landed it – a hard left hook followed by another that knocked down Garcia in the second round. Romero rode the momentum to an upset victory by unanimous decision in their 12-round welterweight fight Friday night in New York’s iconic Times Square.
The judges scored it 115-112, 115-112, 118-110 in favor of Romero.
‘He fought a good fight,’ Garcia said during an in-ring interview on the DAZN livestream. ‘He caught me early. No excuses, man.’
Garcia, 26, returned to the ring after a one-year suspension for a failed drug test. The loss put in jeopardy a planned rematch with Devin Haney that was expected to take place in the fall.
Haney looked hesitant earlier in the night while beating Jose Ramirez by unanimous decision. Garcia also looked apprehensive, especially after the knockdown and getting his first sample of Romero’s power.
‘I just think that whole year took a lot off my body, physically and mentally,’ Garcia said. “I’m just happy that I made it to the ring and went 12 rounds.’
Car horns could during the early fights during an unprecedented event – a boxing show held on a temporary ring in Times Square.
The boxers arrived for fights by vehicles. Garcia pulled up in the Batmobile. But the only boxer who showed a flash of superpower was Romero, who improved to 17-2.
In the first of the three featured fights, Teofimo Lopez beat Arnold Barboza Jr. by unanimous decision. But Garcia’s loss could have the biggest impact.
In April 2024, he beat Haney by majority decision, but he failed a post-fight drug test. That turned the outcome into a no-contest and led to Garcia’s suspension that ended April 20 when his New York boxing license was reinstated.
But Garcia fell to 24-2. And now it’s unclear when or if he and Haney might fight each other again.
USA TODAY provided round-by-round coverage and highlights of all three main event fights in New York’s Times Square. Scroll below for all the action.
Who won Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero fight?
Rolando “Rolly’’ Romero landed the blows, knocking down Ryan Garcia in the second round on his way to a victory by unanimous decision Friday night in New York’s Times Square.
The judges scored it 115-112, 115-112, 118-110.
Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero round-by-round
RESULT: Rolly Romero def. Ryan Garcia unanimous decision.
Round 12: Garcia will need a knockout. Will there be any urgency? Romero firing jabs, and they get tangled up. More jabs. No sense of urgency from Garcia, who seems fearful of Romero’s power. Romero 116, Garcia 111.
Round 11: They’re pawing at each other with jabs. Then Romero lands a hard body shot, and Garcia still looks tentative. Romero lands another hard body shot. Garcia has felt the power, maybe a few too many times. Garcia lands a hard left to the body of Romero, who scarcely flinches. Romero 106, Garcia 102.
Round 10: Romero’s punches still look powerful. Garcia still looks cautious. A hook lands hard. Romero gets aggressive, and Garcia shows little resistance. Romero misses with a big right and staggers toward a corner. He lands a big right, and Garcia looks stymied. Romero 96, Garcia 93.
Round 9: Romero charges forward and lands body shots. Then connects with a hook. Romero coming alive. Romero showing impressive power as he chases after Garcia. Romero 86, Garcia 84.
Round 8: Romero looks to want to rough up Garcia – close the distance and street fight. Garcia may be waiting for his chance. He connects with a solid jab. Firing more jabs, but nothing else. Ref warns the fighters to stop holding. Romero lands a couple of punches as the round ends. Romero 76, Garcia 75.
Round 7: Again, it’s Romero’s body shots vs. Garcia’s lefts. The action has waned. Romero lands a hard right. Garcia looks full of hesitation as Romero lands a body shot. They get tied up, and Romero sneaks in a few light blows to the face. Garcia 66, Romero 66.
Round 6: Romero comes out more assertively, but Garcia answers with a left hook. The pair get tangled up and untangled by the ref. Tied up again before Romero delivers a shot to Garcia’s body. Garcia 57, Romero 56.
Round 5: Romero misses early, and Garcia lands a handful of punches early. Garcia capitalizes on an opening with a right. Garcia unleashes a left to the body. Garcia throwing but not taking any serious risks. Romero content to throw body shots. Garcia 48, Romero 46.
Round 4: Romero cautious. Likely looking for the opening that served him so well in Round 2. Garcia comes forward and throws the left. Romero throwing lefts to the body. Not sure anything is reaching the target. A flinch from Garcia. Bracing for another left hook from Romero? Garcia 38, Romero 37.
Round 3: Fighters at the center of the ring; neither backing away. Garcia lands a left, and Romero bullrushes him into the ropes. The ref intercedes. Action slows, with Garcia content to fire the jabs and hard lefts. Romero 28, Garcia 28.
Round 2: Romero nails Garcia with two hard lefts and drops Garcia!!! But Garcia is back up, and the fight resumes. He nails Romero with a left and another while barely avoiding a right from Romero. Garcia coming forward and lands a left. Garcia moving forward and throwing that left hook. Romero lands a hard overhand right. Garcia moving forward again and lands a left. Not backing away. Garcia lands another hook. Romero 19, Garcia 18.
Round 1: Ryan Garcia looks bigger than Rolly Romero. Garcia lands a crisp jab. More to come? Clearly an effective weapon, as he’s now landed a bushel of them. Romero trying to answer with jabs but struggling to reach Garcia. Romero looks tentative, but connects, lightly, with a left to the midsection. Garcia 10, Romero 9.
Ryan Garcia arrives in Times Square in style
Garcia did not take a Yellow Checker cab to the boxing ring. He pulled up in what looks like the Batmobile. Garcia was not driving the Batmobile. But looked content to be riding shotgun.
Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero up next
In the final bout of the night in New York’s Times Square, Ryan Garcia will take on Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero in a 12-round welterweight fight.
Devin Haney def. Jose Ramirez by unanimous decision
The scorecards showed Haney won the 12-round welterweight bout against Ramirez decisively. But the fight lacked sizzle.
The boxers landed a combined 110 punches, according to DAZN’s broadcast.
Haney flinched repeatedly when Ramirez got in close, but his opponent failed to land many punches. In the end, Haney’s quickness and hand speed served him well.
The judges scored it 119-109, 119-109, 118-110 for Haney, who improved to 32-0. The victory helped secure a likely rematch with Ryan Garcia.
Ramirez fell to 29-3.
Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez round-by-round
RESULT: Devin Haney def. Jose Ramirez by unanimous decision.
Round 12: Ramirez in need of a knockout, but it looks futile. Just lands a left to the body and fires a couple of shots as Haney darts away. Haney pot shotting. Mercifully, the fight comes to an end. Haney 119, Ramirez 109.
Round 11: Haney throws a big right. And misses. He needs to land a punch like that, if only to prove he’s equipped for a rematch with Garcia. Ramirez lands a right. Haney burning lots of calories, and outpunching Ramirez. Haney 109, Ramirez 100.
Round 10: Haney back to moving rather than standing his ground. The strategy likely is paying off on the scorecards, but this is not vintage Haney. Did Garcia retire vintage Haney? He eats two jabs. Ramirez corners Haney and scores, but Haney’s quickly on the move again. Haney 99, Ramirez 91.
Round 9: Ramirez attacks and lands a body shot. Attacks again and lands a right. Nothing that will stagger Haney, but he needs to land more punches. Haney lands a strong right and darts to his right rather than follow up. Ramirez chasing Haney, but eats a couple of punches when he gets too close. Haney 89, Ramirez 82.
Round 8: With all the moving, Haney treating Ramirez as if he’s a Hall of Famer. Then finally slows and throws. Lands. Haney opening up. Ramirez has no answers. Haney 79, Ramirez 73.
Round 7: With all this running, Haney is definitely getting in his steps. Ramirez lands a left and then eats a right counter. Haney landing more punches but taking few chances. Ramirez showing underwhelming ability to score. Haney 69, Ramirez 64.
Round 6: Ramirez opens with a left that grazes Haney. Hey, it’s progress. Haney stays on the move and quickly covers up at the sight of any punch. Ramirez bleeding from under his left eye, and he scores with a left. Haney responds with a combination, followed up with a solid body shot. Haney 59, Ramirez 55.
Round 5: Almost non-existent action here. Ramirez struggling to catch up to Haney, and Haney staying on the move without punching. Well, just like that, Haney lands a combination. Haney 49, Ramirez 46.
Round 4: Haney staying on the move, as if in fear of getting hit. Just when he seemed ready to assert himself, Haney backtracks. Not a dynamic fight, to say the least. Ramirez showing little ability to hit Haney with any authority. Haney 39, Ramirez 37.
Round 3: Haney’s corner has put tape over the uncooperative Velcro, according to DAZN’s Jim Lampley. Haney throwing more punches, but still looks tentative when Ramirez attacks – not often enough. Haney unleashes a hard left hook. Then lands a solid right. Ramirez looks mostly flat footed and slow. Haney 29, Ramirez 28.
Round 2: The Velcro strap still flapping on Haney’s right shoe. Haney finally fires a crisp left, but he’s still looking oddly tentative. The result of a year-long layoff or haunted by getting knocked down by Ryan Garcia three times? Nice left from Haney, and the good thing for him is Ramirez is doing very little. Haney lands a solid right as he comes alive. Ramirez 19, Haney 19.
Round 1: A muscular Devin Haney doesn’t look ready to flex them immediately. He backpedals in the opening moments. Jose Ramirez scores with a couple of lefts. Haney’s looking strangely tentative. Ramirez misses with an overhand right. Haney’s fists looked holstered. Velcro strap comes loose from Haney’s right shoe. Wardrobe malfunction? Ramirez 10, Haney 9.
Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez next on main card
Devin Haney will take on Jose Ramirez in a 12-round welterweight fight next in Times Square.
Teofimo Lopez def. Arnold Barboza Jr. by unanimous decision
Capitalizing on his hand speed and quickness, Lopez outclassed the previously undefeated Barboza and won the WBO super lightweight title. Lopez celebrated his victory with a backflip in the ring.
Lopez took a hard right early that left blood flowing from under his left eye, but he maintained control in the 12-round fight.
The judges scored it 116-112, 116-112, 118-110 for Lopez, who improved to 22-1.
Barboza suffered his first loss and fell to 32-1.
Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. round-by-round
RESULT: Teofimo Lopez def. Arnold Barboza Jr. by unanimous decision.
Round 12: Lopez throws a flurry, then backs away. Doesn’t look willing to risk a decision in exchange for going for the KO. Barboza land two big shots, but Lopez responds. And talks a little trash as the fight comes to a close. Lopez 117, Barboza 111.
Round 11: Mike Tyson analysis on DAZN: ‘It’s a shutout, I think. I’ve never seen him look like this before. He’s improved as a fighter.’ More showboating from Lopez. Not so much punching. Barboza lands a nice right, followed by another one. Dancing’s not going to win this round. Lopez 107, Barboza 102.
Round 10: Barboza stalking and lands a right, but eats a punch in return. Lopez staying very active with his left hand. Lopez 98, Barboza 92
Round 9: Lopez keeping his distance, perhaps to protect his apparent advantage on the scorecard. Could the strategy backfire? Well, just like that, Lopez gets revved up. He pounds Barboza and shows off the footwork on defense again. Barboza fighting back but looks overmatched, especially by Lopez’s speed. Lopez 88, Barboza 83.
Round 8: Lopez leading with his left and throwing rights, too. Barboza landed the hardest punch of the fight, but he looks hesitant – less apt to attack than counterattack. Lopez drills Barboza with a solid body shot and starts showboating, dodging punches. Lopez 78, Barboza 74.
Round 7: Lopez not shaken up by those rights. He comes out firing. Barboza lands a punch but missed with two. Lopez cloes the gap and delivers a punch to Barboza’s midsection. Lopez showing impressive versatility. Lopez 68, Barboza 65.
Round 6: Lopez could be landing more punches but seems to be enjoying some preening and showboating as he works the ring. Oh, Lopez takes a big right! Barboza follows up with a second right. Lopez cut underneath his left eye. Lopez 58, Barboza 56.
Round 5: Lopez lands a left to the body and takes a counter left to the head. Barboza looks down but not out. Lopez capitalizing on his quickness and footspeed again. Barboza trying to measure the distance – too far – before he throws his punches. Lopez scores a hard right then lands a flurry of jabs. Lopez 48, Barboza 47.
Round 4: Lopez land a combination almost the moment the bell sounds. Lopez showing his quickness and footspeed now. An elusive target taking control. Barboza landing the occasional punch, but nearly enough to win a round. Barboza 38, Lopez 38.
Round 3: Lopez firing body shots and throws a hard right, too. Looks comfortable but has yet to press the action. Barboza responds with a straight right. Lopez lands a hard left and now showing more authority that include another hard right. Barboza 29, Lopez 28.
Round 2: Barboza has set up at the center of the ring, then charges after Lopez. Barboza lands a left and maybe gaining confidence. Barboza throws a solid right counter. Barboza 20, Lopez 18.
Round 1: Arnold Barboza Jr. and Teofimo Lopez both open with left jabs. Lopez throws a combination and Barboza paws back with the jab. Barboza steps forward and throws a combination. Lopez throws an overhand right, so hard he briefly loses his balance. Barboza lands a couple of crisp punches. He closes strong but eats a right hand too. Barboza 10, Lopez 9.
Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. kick off main card
Teofimo Lopez will defend his WBO world super lightweight title in a 12-round bout against Arnold Barboza Jr. Friday night in the first of three fights on the main card.
Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero start time
The three-fight main card is scheduled to start around 5:30 p.m. ET.
Where is Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero fight?
The Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero fight will take place in New York’s iconic Times Square.
Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero main fight card
- Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero, welterweight fight
- Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez, welterweight fight
- Teofimo Lopez (c) vs. Arnold Barboza, WBO junior welterweight title fight
How to watch Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero fight
The entire fight card will be streamed on DAZN PPV.
Watch Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero with DAZN
Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero fight odds
All available odds are for moneyline bets (as of Thursday), according to BetMGM.
Main Card
- Ryan Garcia (-900) vs. Rolando Romero (+500) welterweights
- Devin Haney (-1100) vs. Jose Ramirez (+550) welterweights
- Teofimo Lopez (-275) vs. Arnold Barboza (+190) WBO junior welterweight title
Reito Tsutsumi def. Levale Whittington by unanimous decision
Tsutsumi, a highly touted 22-year-old prospect from Japan, looked impressive in his pro debut.
He tattooed Whittington with hooks and uppercuts during a six-round featherweight bout. In the second round, he staggered Whittington, who managed to stay on his feet, thanks to some help from the ropes.
The referees scored it 60-54, 60-54, 58-56 in favor of Tsutsumi. Whittington, a 25-year-old from Chicago, fought gallantly but dropped to 1-3-1.
Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero live stream
The prelims and fight will be available for live stream on DAZN.
Ring card girls need not apply
During the opening two fights, the ring card presenters included Snoop Dogg, Hulk Hogan and Deadpool. All imposters, as typically found walking the streets in Times Square.
Boxers, tip your drivers
Reito Tsutsumi of Japan arrived at the ring for his pro debut in a yellow taxi. So it goes during this unprecedented boxing event in Times Square. His opponent, Levale Whittington, arrived in a black SUV. No odds posted yet on whether Ryan Garcia will arrive in a pedicab.
FDNY prevails over NYPD
With car horns audible during the fight, James Gennari of the FDNY beat Joel Allen of the NYPD by unanimous decision in a three-round amateur fight. The bout marked the debut of the “ring view,’ compliments of a small camera worn on the ear of the referee. In this case, the left ear.
Mike Tyson on the set
Serving as a guest analyst, Tyson arrived sporting a flashy suit. Not what he wore when he was growing up in Brownsville. So far, he’s been pretty mild mannered. No threats to eat anyone’s children.
When asked if the boxers might get distracted by the sights and sounds in Times Square, Tyson said, “These are professional fighters, like I am. We’ve been handling pressure since we were a little kid.’’
Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero price
The Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero card is available for $59.99 but is also available for $89.99 via the DAZN Knockout Weekend Bundle that includes the Alvarez Vs. Scull card on Saturday, May 3.
Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero predictions
Sports Illustrated: Ryan Garcia
Apratim Banderjee writes: ‘Ryan Garcia can put his opponents out as he has shown time and again during his career. Apart from the power, Garcia’s speed is phenomenal. Meanwhile, Rolly Romero has nuke-like power and like Garcia, he can put anyone to sleep with a shot. That said, he might not be as technically gifted as Garcia. Romero’s chin, however, is questionable. His ability to take shots can be questioned and Romero has been brutally knocked out before. KingRy’ has a solid chin and can take what comes in his way. He can also serve it out good. Garcia might be able to take Romero’s offerings before landing his own finishing shots midway through the fight.’
Predict Em: Ryan Garcia
Loot Levinson writes: ‘I’m betting that the Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero fight goes under 6.5 completed rounds at -115 betting odds. You have two fighters with big firepower whose defensive abilities lag far behind their offensive prowess. Combine that with the urgency of Garcia and the style of Romero, and it seems a lot would need to go wrong for this to be a fight that goes into the latter rounds.’
Ryan Garcia record
Ryan Garcia has a record of 24-1, with 20 KOs. His most recent bout vs. Devin Haney on April 20, 2024 was ruled a no contest after Garcia failed a post-fight drug test that resulted in a one-year suspension.
Rolly Romero record
Rolly Romero comes into the bout with a a record of 16-2, with 13 KOs.
How much does Ryan Garcia weigh?
Ryan Garcia weighed in at 146.8 pounds for his fight against Rolly Romero.
How much does Rolly Romero weigh?
Rolly Romero weighed in at 146.6 pounds for his fight against Ryan Garcia.
Mike Tyson says he’ll be guest analyst
Mike Tyson announced on X he will be a guest analyst for the boxing show at Times Square. He certainly has the requisite stamina.
In September, while training for his fight against Jake Paul, Tyson provided commentary for “Cage Wars 67,” a mixed martial arts event Schenectady, N.Y. that lasted about four hours. Tyson stayed for the entire livestream and proved to be personable and entertaining.
Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero: Tale of the tape
Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez prediction
Forbes: Devin Haney
Trent Reinsmith writes, ‘Haney lost a lot of his shine against Garcia. Sure the fight was ruled a no contest after Garcia’s failed drug tests, but that doesn’t erase the fact that Haney was dropped three times in that fight. Look for him to make a statement against an opponent he should beat, even on Ramirez’s best day.
‘The betting pick is for Devin Haney to beat Jose Ramirez via decision.’
How much does Devin Haney weigh?
Devin Haney weighed in at 143 pounds. The limit was 144 pounds.
How much does Jose Ramirez weigh?
Jose Ramirez weighed in at 143.8 pounds. The limit was 144 pounds.
Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez fight records
Haney is 31-0-0 with 15 KOs. Ramirez is 29-2 with 18 KOs.
Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. prediction
CBS Sports: Teofimo Lopez to win via decision (-130)
Brent Brookhouse writes, ‘Gambling on a Lopez fight is a terrifying prospect. At times, he utilizes his extreme talent to maximum effect. Other times, he squanders that talent and gets outworked by less talented fighters. Barboza is a good fighter and an upset is very much in play, especially if Lopez again shows an inability to cut off the ring and lets fits of inactivity happen as the rounds tick by. Barboza is a better fighter than George Kambosos, who upset Lopez in 2021. All that said, Lopez is the better fighter and should be expected to manage the victory. Lopez has scored one knockdown and one stoppage since 2020 and Barboza is a good enough fighter that he’s unlikely to get stopped.’
How much does Teofimo Lopez weigh?
Lopez weighed in at 139.6 pounds. The limit is 140 pounds.
How much does Arnold Barboza Jr. weigh?
Barboza Jr. weighed in at 139.8 pounds. The limit is 140 pounds.
Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. fighter records
Lopez is 21-1 with 18 KOs. Barboza is 32-0 with 11 KOs.
Why was Ryan Garcia suspended?
Ryan Garcia was suspended for one year after he tested positive for a banned substance following his fight against Devin Haney April 20, 2024. The drug test came back positive for oastarine, an anabolic selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for human use.
Who won Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney fight?
Ryan Garcia beat Devin Haney by majority decision. But Garcia’s failed drug test rendered the bout a no-contest.