Garcia vs. Romero: A clash of comebacks and championship ambitions.
Ryan Garcia, also known as “King Ryan,” will return to the ring after a year-long hiatus to face Rolando “Rolly” Romero tonight at Fatal Fury: Garcia vs. Romero in Times Square, New York City. There will also be a headline tripleheader at the event, with WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez defending his title against undefeated Arnold Barboza Jr. and Devin Haney making a comeback against Jose Ramirez in a welterweight match.
This historic outdoor event marks the first-ever professional boxing card held in Times Square and is a collaboration between Fatal Fury and The Ring Magazine. Garcia last fought in April 2024, getting a majority decision win over Devin Haney after knocking him down three times. However, he was later suspended for a year following a positive test for the banned substance Ostarine. Romero, a former junior welterweight champion, most recently had a unanimous decision victory over Manuel Jaimes in September 2024.
Ryan Garcia, an American professional boxer, proudly embraces his Mexican heritage, often carrying both the U.S. and Mexican flags to the ring. He held the WBC Interim Lightweight title in 2021 after a technical knockout victory over Luke Campbell. The 15-time amateur national champion began boxing at the age of seven in 2005 and held the amateur record of 215-15. A decade later, he made his professional debut in June 2016, defeating Edgar Meza by knockout. He remained undefeated through 23 fights until April 2023, when he suffered his first and only professional loss, a knockout defeat to Gervonta Davis.
In April 2024, Garcia faced Devin Haney in a high-profile bout originally scheduled for the WBC Super Lightweight title. However, Garcia came in 3.2 pounds over the weight limit and was ineligible to win the title. As part of a pre-fight wager, he agreed to pay Haney $500,000 per pound over the limit. The fight proceeded, and Garcia won via majority decision after knocking Haney down three times. However, Garcia tested positive for Ostarine, a prohibited performance-enhancing drug, and was fined $1.1 million and suspended for a year; the result was later overturned to a no contest.
Garcia’s professional boxing record stands at 26 bouts, with 24 wins, one loss and one no contest.
| 26 Fights | Wins | Loss |
| By Knockout | 20 | 1 |
| By Decision | 4 | 0 |
| No Contests | 1 | |
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Rolly Romero is an American professional boxer who won the WBA Interim Lightweight title in August 2020 against Jackson Maríñez and later claimed the WBA Super Lightweight title in May 2023. He began his pro career in December 2016 with a TKO win over David Courtney and went unbeaten in his first 14 fights. His first loss came in May 2022 against Gervonta Davis via technical knockout. He followed that with a win over Ismael Barroso, but in May 2024, he lost to Isaac Cruz by TKO.
Romero’s professional boxing record stands at 18 bouts, with 16 wins and two losses.
| 18 fights | Win | Losses |
| By Knockout | 13 | 2 |
| By Decision | 3 | 0 |
| Tale of the Tape | Ryan Garcia | Rolly Romero |
| Record | 24-1-0 | 16-2-0 |
| Height | 5’8”½ (174 cm) | 5’8” (173 cm) |
| Weight | 143.2 lbs | 139.57 lbs |
| Reach | 70 in (178 cm) | 68 in (173 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| D.O.B. | August 8, 1998 | October 14, 1995 |
Both Ryan Garcia and Rolly Romero are former interim champions with knockout-heavy resumes and one career loss each to Gervonta Davis. Garcia’s speed contrasts with Romero’s power, making for an intriguing clash.
Read More: Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero Prediction, Picks and Betting Odds
