RYAN Garcia’s return to the boxing ring in Times Square ended in defeat on Friday night (Saturday, May 3, 2025, PH time), as Rolando Romero scored a unanimous decision victory.
Garcia, who made a theatrical arrival in a Batmobile, was knocked down by a powerful left hand from Romero in the second round.
The Times Square event marked Garcia’s first fight since a year-long suspension following a positive drug test in his previous bout against Devin Haney, a victory that was later overturned.
Romero gained confidence as the fight progressed, landing increasingly effective blows. The judges scored the fight 115-112, 115-112, and 118-109 in favor of Romero.
The anticipated rematch between Garcia and Haney, contingent on both winning their respective fights, now appears less certain. While Haney defeated Jose Ramirez in their matchup of former 140-pound champions, Garcia’s loss alters the landscape.
The night also featured Teofimo Lopez, who successfully defended his junior welterweight title against Arnold Barboza Jr. / From the wires