By: Sean Crose
Ryan Garcia is making his anticipated return to the boxing ring after stepping away for over a year. He’s set to face Rolando “Rolly” Romero in a thrilling showdown in Times Square on May 25th. Both fighters promise a captivating match, known for their power punches and entertaining styles. While Garcia, at 26, is undoubtedly the star attraction, Romero isn’t just any opponent; he’s a formidable challenger eager to shake things up by seeking a victory over Garcia this spring.
Garcia’s last appearance in the ring was a memorable one back in April 2024. Against the odds, he managed to repeatedly knock down Devin Haney and clinch a decision win—only to have it overturned later owing to a positive test for a banned substance. The fallout was significant: Garcia’s victory was annulled, and he faced a one-year suspension from boxing. With that suspension nearing its end, Garcia, who showed unpredictable behavior before the Haney fight, seems to be keeping a lower profile as he prepares for his May comeback.
Romero, in contrast, last fought in September, when he secured a unanimous decision victory over Manuel James. Holding a record of 16 wins and 2 losses, the Las Vegas native has an impressive knockout streak, with all but three of his victories coming by way of knockout. Despite this, whether he can overcome Garcia is a matter open to debate. While both fighters have suffered defeats at the hands of Gervonta Davis, Garcia is often considered the more accomplished of the two. Yet, in the unpredictable world of boxing, Romero is no pushover and promises to be a worthy rival for “King Ry.”
The fight night on May 25th is set to be quite the spectacle. Aside from the Garcia versus Romero showdown, fans can look forward to Devin Haney taking on Jose Ramirez and Teofimo Lopez battling Arnold Barboza. It’s a star-studded line-up, packed with impressive talent. Like Garcia, Lopez is fighting in the junior welterweight division, sparking talk of a potential future clash between the two, provided both win their respective matches in May. And, of course, the prospect of a Garcia-Haney rematch looms large. The stakes are high in Times Square this spring, with each fighter having a lot to prove, making this an event to watch.
