Rolly Romero Stuns Ryan Garcia in Times Square Showdown
In one of the most surreal and shocking nights in recent boxing history, Rolando 'Rolly' Romero delivered a stunning unanimous decision victory over Ryan Garcia on May 2, 2025, in the heart of Times Square. From the Batmobile entrance to a stunning knockdown, the scene was as dramatic as the outcome — and boxing fans around the world can’t stop talking about it.
A High-Stakes Comeback in a Surreal Setting
For Ryan Garcia, this match was more than a return to the ring — it was a personal redemption arc. Following his 2024 PED suspension and a reversed win against Devin Haney, Garcia entered the fight with his career and reputation on the line. Adding to the drama was the fight’s bizarre setting: an open-air ring set up at Times Square, surrounded by typical Friday night traffic and wandering tourists.
Garcia, never subdued in flair, made his entrance in a Batmobile and was accompanied by celebrity impersonators posing as ring girls — a strange visual that set the tone for what was to come.
Romero's Breakout Victory
While Garcia soaked in the spotlight, Rolly Romero focused on rewriting his narrative. Entering the fight with a record of 17 wins and 2 losses, Romero had much to prove in his welterweight debut. The unexpected happened in the second round, when Romero caught Garcia cleanly and delivered a knockdown that would ultimately define the night.
"I told everyone I'd knock him out. When I saw him on the canvas, I knew it was over."
From PED Scandal to Another Setback
Garcia’s road to this fight was already paved with controversy. In April 2024, his decision win over Devin Haney was nullified due to a failed drug test, resulting in a one-year suspension. His return bout was supposed to rekindle plans for a rematch with Haney — a bout that had promised box-office gold.
"Just Rolly's night. He fought a good fight. Caught me early."
Fight Night Chaos and Unexpected Emotions
The match was held the same night Devin Haney defeated Jose Ramirez, keeping open the possibility of future marquee bouts. But most fans were captivated by the absurd theatrics surrounding the Times Square spectacle. Celebrity impersonators, hurried pedestrians, and hot-dog vendors shared the frame with a million-dollar fight.
The moment Garcia’s body hit the canvas was when the theater turned into tragedy. The man who once looked poised to be boxing’s next global icon had fallen amid neon lights and rush-hour traffic. This loss is more than just a blemish — it’s a crossroads.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond the glamour and glow sticks, fans are left reckoning with an uncomfortable truth: has Ryan Garcia’s rapid rise now turned into a slow-motion downfall? With mental health battles, suspensions, showy antics, and now a second-round knockdown, Garcia's future hangs in uneasy limbo.
Meanwhile, Romero walks away not only with the win but with a potential ticket to future big fights and something more valuable — respect.
For full fight night coverage, check out the Los Angeles Times article and The Independent's breakdown.
Conclusion
✔️ Ryan Garcia's comeback was derailed in dramatic fashion by an underrated Romero in an unforgettable Times Square showdown.
✔️ The surreal setting amplified the shock, and now fans are questioning whether this marks the beginning of the end for boxing's fallen star.
