In a remarkable open-air boxing event held in the bustling heart of New York’s Times Square, Ryan Garcia experienced an unforeseen defeat at the hands of Rolando Romero, leaving spectators in disbelief. The bout took an unexpected turn when Garcia was knocked down in the second round, ultimately resulting in a unanimous decision victory for Romero. This match was part of a larger card that also featured Devin Haney, who demonstrated his boxing prowess by defeating former champion Jose Ramirez, and Teofimo Lopez, who successfully defended his title against Arnold Barboza.
Garcia entered the ring with high hopes and a lot of fanfare, arriving in an impressive Batmobile that had everyone buzzing with excitement. However, as the fight unfolded, it became clear that Romero was not to be underestimated. A surprising sequence led to Garcia hitting the canvas, with Romero landing a crisp left hand followed by a powerful hook. This pivotal moment not only shifted the momentum of the fight but also showcased the striking capabilities Romero brought to the event.
The fight continued with Romero maintaining his aggressive strategy, landing significant punches that further established his dominance. As the rounds progressed, he showcased a varied offensive style, mixing hard right hands into his attack, which put Garcia on the defensive. The judges noticed Romero’s clear superiority, awarding him a unanimous decision with scores of 118-109 and 115-112 on two cards, effectively marking a monumental victory in his career.
After the match, Garcia reflected on the impact of his year-long suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. This suspension followed a controversial victory over Haney that had been overturned and recorded as a no contest. “I just think that whole year took a lot off my body physically and mentally,” Garcia expressed, revealing the challenges of returning to competitive form after a significant setback.
In another thrilling matchup on the card, Devin Haney, renowned for his stint as an undisputed lightweight champion and current holder of the WBC title in the super-lightweight division, faced former champion Jose Ramirez. The fight was marked by Haney’s exceptional tactical execution, as he adeptly maneuvered to evade Ramirez’s advances. The former champion struggled to effectively close the distance against Haney, who showcased impressive speed and footwork. This strategic approach led to Haney securing a unanimous decision victory, with the judges scoring the fight 118-110 and 119-109 on two cards.
Adding to the excitement of the evening, Teofimo Lopez defended his WBO super-lightweight title against Arnold Barboza. Lopez, who had previously claimed victories over notable fighters such as Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, faced challenges in his last two matches. However, he returned to form with a commanding performance against Barboza. His skillful control over the fight was evident as he landed precise combinations, and the judges rewarded his efforts with scores of 118-110 and 116-112 on two cards, solidifying his position in the division.
Following the victory, Lopez expressed his excitement for future challenges in the boxing ring, making it clear that he is not afraid to seek out tough opponents. “You know me guys, I go after the tough challenges,” Lopez stated, revealing his ambitious nature as a fighter. He humorously added, “I’m Dora the Explorer and I’m looking for ‘Boots’,” referring to welterweight champion Jaron Ennis, highlighting both his determination and playful personality. This angling for higher-profile fights underscores Lopez’s desire to solidify his legacy in the sport through significant matchups against elite competition.

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