Rolly Romero Stuns Ryan Garcia in Times Square Spectacle; Haney, Lopez Deliver on Big Night

Ryan Garcia’s grand entrance into Times Square in a Batmobile was meant to signal a heroic comeback — instead, it ended in shock. Moments after arriving, Garcia found himself on the canvas in Round 2, courtesy of a thudding left hook from Rolando “Rolly” Romero, in what became a humbling unanimous decision loss under New York’s glowing marquees.

Romero (17-2, 13 KOs), who was previously stopped by Gervonta Davis in New York, flipped the script on boxing’s expected narrative. He dropped Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) early, then outworked him in the later rounds to claim the WBA (Regular) welterweight title. Judges scored it 115-112, 115-112, and 118-109 in favor of Romero.

“Just Rolly’s night,” Garcia said post-fight. “He fought a good fight. Caught me early.”

The night was originally staged to set up a blockbuster Garcia vs. Haney rematch — a sequel to their controversial April 2024 fight, which Garcia won before it was later overturned due to a failed drug test. But with only Haney (32-0, 15 KOs) holding up his end — defeating Jose Ramirez (29-3, 18 KOs) in a one-sided unanimous decision — those plans now hang in the balance.

Romero, the Unexpected Star

The Times Square card, promoted by Turki Alalshikh and Ring Magazine under a spectacle-driven format, featured celebrity impersonators, Elmo costumes, and unconventional ring walks. Fighters were transported by car from nearby hotels — Lopez arrived in a yellow cab, while Garcia showed up in Batman’s vehicle, drawing attention from tourists and traffic alike.

Despite the circus-like atmosphere, Romero emerged as the surprise star. He grew more confident as the fight progressed, letting his hands go while Garcia looked hesitant, a far cry from the man who dropped Haney three times a year earlier.

“I ain’t even thinking about what’s next,” Romero said. “I think Devin and Ryan should get their rematch and make a big one.”

Still, Romero now holds the title — and the leverage.

Haney Rebuilds, Lopez Shines

In the co-feature, Haney cruised to victory over Ramirez, using slick movement and sharp counters to win by scores of 119-109 (twice) and 118-110. It wasn’t thrilling, but it was clinical — a key recovery step after the physical and emotional toll of the Garcia bout last year.

Earlier in the night, Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) put on a boxing masterclass to retain his WBO and Ring Magazine super lightweight titles, dominating previously undefeated Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-1, 11 KOs). Lopez won by scores of 116-112, 116-112, and 118-110, dazzling with footwork and precision.

Post-fight, Lopez called out Jaron “Boots” Ennis, with Hearn confirming that the fight is being discussed for later this year.

“It wasn’t as big as I expected,” Lopez said of the atmosphere. “But it felt bigger as the night went on.”

A Boxing Event Like No Other

The Times Square venue — a first for a major boxing event — offered a surreal setting. Fights took place under flashing billboards, near the iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop. Cars continued flowing on Seventh Avenue between bouts, stopped only temporarily as fighters crossed the street.

Celebrities like Mike Tyson, Terence Crawford, Shakur Stevenson, and Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns were spotted ringside, alongside a few Elmo impersonators and street performers, blurring the lines between boxing and Broadway.

While Ring Magazine’s U.S. debut under Saudi ownership may not have resembled a traditional big-fight atmosphere, it delivered surprises, storylines, and a reminder that in boxing — anything can happen.

Photo: Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images