On May 2, 2025, Times Square, New York, became the epicenter of boxing as Ryan Garcia stepped into the ring against Rolando “Rolly” Romero for the WBA “regular” welterweight title. The fight, a main event in a thrilling triple bill featuring Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez, marked Garcia’s return after a tumultuous year. With a record of 24-1 (20 KOs), Garcia faced a formidable Romero, who stood at 16-2 (13 KOs). The stakes were high, not just for the belt but for Garcia’s redemption after a rollercoaster of personal and professional challenges.
Garcia’s journey to this moment was anything but smooth. In April 2024, he scored a majority decision upset over Devin Haney, only for the victory to be overturned to a no-contest after testing positive for Ostarine. The New York State Athletic Commission slapped him with a one-year suspension, a $10,000 fine, and the forfeiture of his purse. Garcia’s 2024 spiraled further with public struggles involving drugs, alcohol, and mental health, culminating in a lawsuit from Fanmio over a canceled exhibition in Japan. Yet, the 26-year-old from Victorville, California, leaned on his resilience, reuniting with trainer Derrick James and complying with randomized drug testing to prepare for his comeback.
Romero, known for his brash demeanor and knockout power, was no easy opponent. The Las Vegas native had a chip on his shoulder, aiming to cement his name against Garcia’s star power. The fight itself was a spectacle of contrasting styles: Garcia’s lightning-fast hands and footwork against Romero’s relentless pressure and heavy punches. From the opening bell, Garcia dazzled with flurries, landing crisp combinations that showcased his nickname, “KingRy.” Romero, however, absorbed the punishment and countered with thudding hooks, making the rounds fiercely competitive.
As the fight progressed, Romero’s durability shone. Garcia’s speed kept him ahead early, but Romero’s dogged pursuit paid dividends in the later rounds. The judges’ scorecards reflected the intensity: 115-112, 115-112, and a surprising 118-109, all for Romero, who claimed the unanimous decision. The result stunned Garcia’s legion of fans, who flooded X with reactions, many questioning the wide scoreline and the legitimacy of the WBA “regular” title, often derided as a “fake belt” with Jaron “Boots” Ennis holding the true WBA welterweight crown.
For Garcia, the loss is a setback but not the end. His massive social media following—12.1 million on Instagram, 8.6 million on TikTok—ensures his marketability, and his youth and talent keep him in the conversation for mega-fights. Post-fight, Garcia expressed a desire for a Haney rematch or a dream showdown with Gervonta Davis at 147 pounds. Romero, now basking in victory, called out the division’s elite, his stock rising significantly.
The fight underscored Garcia’s potential and vulnerabilities. His speed and charisma make him a candidate to be the face of American boxing, but consistency and discipline remain critical. As fans debate the outcome on X, one thing is clear: Garcia’s journey is far from over, and the boxing world will be watching his next move.
