Instances Sq. is internet hosting a boxing occasion for the primary time on Friday, with an outdoor ring constructed within the centre of the enduring web site, and the cardboard is headlined by Garcia’s first bout since his controversial showdown with Devin Haney a yr in the past.
Garcia got here in effectively over the burden restrict after which gained on factors, however that battle was subsequently dominated a no-contest after he examined constructive for Ostarine, a performance-enhancing drug, in two separate checks. The 26-year-old was handed a one-year ban from boxing by the New York State Athletic Fee and fined.
He now returns to tackle Romero, who was overwhelmed by Gervonta Davis in 2022 after which misplaced his WBA super-lightweight world title after being stopped by Isaac Cruz final yr. The WBA have made this a world title battle at welterweight after selling Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis to ‘tremendous champion’.
It’s anticipated {that a} win on Friday evening would see Garcia face a rematch with Haney, who can also be in motion on the identical card in opposition to Jose Ramirez. Experiences recommend the American rivals will face-off in Saudi Arabia in October if each come by these fights.
Ryan Garcia served a medication ban after beating Devin Haney final yr
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Garcia vs Romero battle date and venue
Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero will happen tonight on Friday Could 2, 2025 in Instances Sq., New York.
Garcia vs Romero battle time and ring walks
The primary card motion is because of begin at round 11pm BST on Friday evening, which is 6pm ET and 3pm PT in the USA.
Foremost occasion ring walks are anticipated at roughly 2am BST within the UK, 9pm ET and 6pm PT.
How one can watch Garcia vs Romero
TV channel: Within the UK, Garcia vs Romero is being proven dwell by way of DAZN pay-per-view at a price of £21.99. Nevertheless, if purchased with the PPV for Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull the next evening, which can also be the identical worth, it’s £34.99 for the 2 playing cards.
Dwell stream: Those that have bought the battle by way of DAZN can watch on-line by way of their web site and app. Protection is ready to start at 10:30pm BST.
Garcia vs Romero undercard
Earlier than the main focus shifts to Garcia and Romero, there are two intriguing bouts earlier within the evening.
Haney has his first battle because the showdown with Garcia final yr, which considerably spoiled his good 31-0 file, as he goes up in opposition to Jose Ramirez.
It’s a bout Haney is predicted to return by, although Ramirez – the previous unified light-welterweight champion – gave a good account of himself final day trip when dropping to Arnold Barboza Jr on factors in November.
Additionally on the cardboard is Teofimo Lopez, and he places his WBO super-lightweight world title on the road in opposition to the unbeaten Barboza Jr, in what may show to be the battle of the evening. Barboza Jr narrowly outpointed Jack Catterall in Manchester in February to arrange this chance.
Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero
Devin Haney vs Jose Ramirez
Teofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr
Garcia vs Romero prediction
It’s tough to know what to anticipate from Garcia, out and in of the ring.
The 26-year-old was dominant in dropping Haney thrice on his option to a cushty factors win, just for the constructive medicine checks to then emerge.
It has been a much more low-key build-up to this battle from Garcia, which must be considered as a constructive, and he has the velocity and energy to show far too good on this battle.
Solely Gervonta Davis has overwhelmed Garcia and Romero just isn’t at that degree, with the American well-beaten himself by Davis after which once more by Isaac Cruz final yr.
Garcia would possibly want a few rounds to shake off any ring rust however he will likely be eager to placed on a present, significantly with Haney additionally on the cardboard, and needs to be able to doing so.
Garcia to win by stoppage, spherical six.
Ryan Garcia is a agency favorite to make a profitable return to the ring
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Garcia vs Romero weigh-in outcomes
Garcia got here in underneath the 147-pound welterweight restrict on Thursday, tipping the scales at 146.8 kilos. Romero was at 146.6 kilos.
Garcia vs Romero newest odds
Garcia to win on factors or by choice: 5/1
Garcia to win by knockout, technical knockout or disqualification: 3/10
Romero to win on factors or by choice: 20/1
Romero to win by knockout, technical knockout or disqualification: 9/1
Odds by way of Betfair (topic to vary).