Boxing Pros REVEAL Their Final Picks For Ryan Garcia Vs Rolly Romero Fight (Mike Tyson, …)

With the Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero showdown just hours away at Times Square, boxing’s biggest names have weighed in with their final predictions, setting the stage for what promises to be a explosive night in the welterweight division. As the world waits to see if Garcia can reclaim his throne or if Romero will deliver a stunning upset, legends like Mike Tyson, Canelo Alvarez, and Timothy Bradley Jr. have shared their takes, adding fuel to the fire of this highly anticipated clash for the vacant WBA welterweight title.

Mike Tyson: ‘It’s 50-50—But Rolly’s Power Could End It Early’

Boxing icon Mike Tyson, stepping into his role as guest analyst for the event, offered a bold take during a recent interview with ESPN. The former heavyweight champ, who has been vocal about his admiration for both fighters, called the matchup a “50-50 fight” but leaned toward Romero’s raw power. “Ryan’s got speed and that left hook, but Rolly hits like a truck,” Tyson said, his voice carrying the weight of his own knockout legacy. “If Romero catches him clean, it could be over in the first three rounds. I’m picking Rolly by KO, but it’s gonna be a war.” Tyson’s prediction hinges on Romero’s ability to exploit Garcia’s defensive lapses, a concern echoed by many after Garcia’s knockout loss to Gervonta Davis in 2023.

Canelo Alvarez: ‘Ryan’s Heart Will Pull Him Through—But It’s Risky’

Canelo Alvarez, who trained with Garcia under Eddy Reynoso, took a more cautious stance during a press conference in Riyadh ahead of his own fight on May 3. The super middleweight king expressed concern but ultimately backed his former protégé. “I know Ryan’s been through hell this year, and that can break a fighter,” Canelo admitted. “But he’s got heart, and if he stays focused, he’ll outbox Rolly. I’m picking Ryan by decision, though it’s risky—Rolly’s power is no joke.” Canelo’s warning echoes his earlier comment about Romero potentially “killing” Garcia, hinting at the danger posed by Romero’s aggressive style, which has felled 13 of his 16 opponents by knockout.

Timothy Bradley Jr.: ‘Garcia’s Left Hook Seals It in Round 6’

Analyst and former world champion Timothy Bradley Jr., known for his sharp breakdowns on ESPN, doubled down on his pre-fight analysis, predicting a decisive finish for Garcia. “Ryan’s evolved since the Haney fight,” Bradley said on a recent Fight Hub TV segment. “He’s calmer, more professional, and that left hook is lethal. I see him catching Rolly with it in round six—night night for Romero.” Bradley’s confidence stems from Garcia’s 83% knockout ratio and his ability to capitalize on Romero’s shaky defense, which has seen him knocked out twice by Davis and Isaac Cruz. However, Bradley cautioned that Garcia’s year-long layoff could be a wildcard.

The Fight’s High Stakes

Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) returns after a one-year suspension for a failed drug test that overturned his 2024 win over Devin Haney, making this fight a critical step toward redemption. Facing Rolly Romero (16-2, 13 KOs), a hard-hitting former super lightweight champ, Garcia aims to claim the WBA welterweight title and set up a rematch with Haney, who fights Jose Ramirez on the undercard. Romero, riding a recent decision win over Manuel Jaimes, promises to “retire” Garcia, citing their infamous 2017 sparring session where he dominated the then-teenager.

The boxing community is divided, with fans on social media buzzing about the contrasting styles—Garcia’s speed versus Romero’s power. Posts found on X reflect this split, with some backing Garcia’s technical edge and others hyping Romero’s knockout potential. The fight, airing on DAZN PPV at 6 PM ET with ring walks around 9 PM ET, is priced at $59.99 or $89.99 bundled with Canelo’s fight, drawing massive interest as a Cinco de Mayo weekend highlight.

A Night of Uncertainty

As the clock ticks down, the predictions from Tyson, Canelo, and Bradley paint a picture of a razor-thin contest. Tyson’s nod to Romero’s power contrasts with Canelo’s faith in Garcia’s resilience and Bradley’s belief in a technical finish. With Garcia’s mental state post-suspension and Romero’s unpredictable aggression in play, the outcome hangs in the balance. Will Garcia silence his doubters, or will Romero’s “bricks” rewrite the narrative? The answer lies in the ring tonight, where legends’ picks will be put to the ultimate test.