Thanks to Turki Alalshikh, here is an exciting tripleheader for Ring Magazine’s first U.S.-based show. In the main event, Ryan Garcia takes on Rolando “Rolly” Romero in a fight that promises plenty of fireworks.
Garcia returns from a yearlong layoff and a controversial no contest to Devin Haney, a bout he initially won by decision before testing positive for a banned substance. Known for his powerful left hook and blinding speed, the 26-year-old Garcia needs to shake off rust and silence doubters all at once.
Romero is no pushover, with a solid 81% knockout ratio. Even though he’s stepping up a third weight class and has been stopped by Isaac Cruz and Gervonta Davis, the 29-year-old Las Vegas resident is unpredictable enough to give Garcia fits if he lands big. The winner sets up a massive collision with the victor of Haney vs. Ramirez, a possible revenge scenario if Garcia comes out on top and meets Haney again down the line.
Watch Garcia vs. Haney highlights: Watch
Also slated for the card is Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez. The former undisputed lightweight champ is in a must-win situation at welterweight after that dismal showing against Garcia last April. Yes, the official result became a no contest due to Garcia’s failed drug test, but getting dropped three times still tarnished Haney’s momentum. The 26-year-old from Las Vegas needs to prove he’s still one of boxing’s slickest, especially since he’s debuting two weight classes higher.
His opponent, Jose Ramirez, is a former unified junior welterweight titlist who’s also moving up after back-to-back losses to Arnold Barboza and Josh Taylor. At 32, it might be now or never for Ramirez. A victory could rekindle his career, while a loss likely sends him down the ranks. Either way, both guys have everything to fight for.
Watch Ramirez vs. Barboza Jr. highlights: Watch
Rounding out the tripleheader is the fight for the WBO World Super Lightweight title featuring Teofimo Lopez and Arnold Barboza Jr.. Even though Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero gets the main event billing at Times Square, it’s Lopez who’s the highest-ranked fighter on the card. With established names like Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford, Oleksandr Usyk, and the retired Tyson Fury all on the wrong side of their 30s, many believe Lopez could be the sport’s new face for years to come.
That said, Teo needs to make a statement. His June victory over Steve Claggett was dominant but lacked the dynamism fans love, and just over a year ago, his win against Jamaine Ortiz drew boos for insufficient action. Remember, though, that Lopez has proven he can shine when challenged: look no further than his 2020 upset of then-pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko.
Meanwhile, Barboza, 33, is making his first world title appearance at the peak of his career. He bested former champ Jose Ramirez in November, then notched that upset against Catterall. Now, he’s a legitimate threat to Teo, and the LA native appears ready for even bigger things if he pulls off another surprise on this epic night in Times Square.
Should Lopez prevail, there’s already talk about a unification clash with Richardson Hitchins later in 2025.
Fight card:
▪️Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero, 12 rounds, super lightweight
▪️Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez, 12 rounds, super lightweight
▪️Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr., 12 rounds, for the WBO World Super Lightweight title
Watch the official press conference highlghts: Watch
