A Night of Upsets Unfolds!

In a jaw-dropping turn of events, Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero pulled off the biggest victory of his career on Friday night, defeating Ryan Garcia by unanimous decision at a mesmerizing outdoor boxing event in the heart of Times Square.

The Fight of the Year?

In a fight filled with surprising tactics, Romero stunned Garcia by knocking him down with a double left hook in the second round, ultimately dominating the bout. The official scores revealed the judges were impressed, tallying 115-112 (twice) and 118-109 in favor of Romero, who now boasts a record of 17 wins, 2 losses, with 13 knockouts.

Garcia's Struggles Exposed!

This match marked Garcia's comeback after a year-long suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, but he clearly struggled with timing and aggressive pacing throughout. The 26-year-old managed to land only 54 punches over twelve rounds, contributing to one of the lowest punch totals ever recorded in boxing history.

Future Plans in Turmoil!

This loss has derailed Garcia’s anticipated rematch against Devin Haney, initially scheduled for later this year. Reflecting on his performance, Garcia stated, "I think that whole year off took a lot off my body, physically and mentally. I’m just glad I made it back to the ring and put in 12 rounds. Hats off to Rolly. He did a great job.”

Romero's Strategic Approach!

After being knocked down, Garcia fought valiantly but never regained his rhythm. Meanwhile, Romero, under the mentorship of celebrated trainer Ismael Salas, showcased remarkable patience, delivering both body shots and effective hooks while neutralizing Garcia’s counter-attacks.

Haney Shines in Co-Main Event!

In the co-main event, Devin Haney didn’t disappoint, winning comfortably against former unified champion José Ramírez by unanimous decision, with scores reading 119-109 (twice) and 118-110. Haney showcased a masterclass in boxing, effectively utilizing long-range counters and lateral movement.

A Tripleheader to Remember!

Earlier in the night, Teófimo López defended his WBO title at 140lbs with a decisive unanimous decision over Arnold Barboza Jr., proving his skill and resilience with a scorecard of 118-110 and two 116-112s. López appeared revitalized and eager for a showdown, calling out Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis post-fight.

A Historic Event in Times Square!

This extraordinary boxing card, held in collaboration with Ring Magazine and backed by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, was the very first of its kind in Times Square. A thrilling atmosphere surrounded the event, with fans and curious onlookers flocking to see some of boxing's biggest names fight under the dazzling LED streets of Manhattan.

What Lies Ahead for Garcia?

Initially billed as the night that would set up Garcia-Haney II, this chaotic evening has now left serious questions hanging over Garcia’s professional career. While Haney remains undefeated and López bolstered his prospects, Romero’s victory has shifted the dynamics, positioning him as a serious contender in the welterweight division moving forward.