Sun May 04 19:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Upset in Times Square: Romero Defeats Garcia in Unanimous Decision
**NEW YORK, NY** – In a stunning upset that rocked the boxing world, Rolando “Rolly” Romero defeated Ryan Garcia by unanimous decision in a 12-round welterweight bout held Friday night in Times Square. The fight, part of an unprecedented boxing event staged in the heart of Manhattan, saw Romero land a decisive left hook in the second round, knocking Garcia down and setting the tone for the rest of the fight.
Judges scored the bout 115-112, 115-112, and 118-110 in favor of Romero, who improved his record to 17-2. Garcia, returning to the ring after a year-long suspension for a failed drug test, conceded Romero’s superior performance, stating, “He caught me early. No excuses, man.” The loss jeopardizes a highly anticipated rematch with Devin Haney, scheduled for the fall.
Garcia’s comeback fight showcased a noticeable hesitancy, particularly after the knockdown, as he appeared to be wary of Romero’s power. He attributed this to the physical and mental toll of his suspension. Despite the loss, Garcia completed all 12 rounds.
The Times Square event drew significant attention, with fighters arriving in style – Garcia in the Batmobile – and the sounds of city traffic providing a unique backdrop to the fights. The undercard featured Teofimo Lopez’s unanimous decision victory over Arnold Barboza Jr. for the WBO super lightweight title.
The main event also included Devin Haney’s less-spectacular unanimous decision win over Jose Ramirez (119-109, 119-109, 118-110). While Haney secured a likely rematch with Garcia, his performance lacked the dynamism that has characterized his previous fights, possibly due to the effects of the year-long layoff or the memory of his previous match against Garcia.
Garcia’s loss leaves the future of his fight with Haney uncertain. The once-promised rematch is now in question. Garcia’s record now stands at 24-2.
First Piper 