Boxing World Stunned: Rolly Romero Shocks Ryan Garcia with Brutal Upset in Times Square
The boxing world is reeling after Rolando “Rolly” Romero delivered a stunning upset over Ryan Garcia on May 2, 2025, at the historic Times Square boxing event in New York City, dashing hopes for a blockbuster rematch with Devin Haney. Entering as a +700 underdog, Romero outboxed the heavily favored Garcia, dropping him in the second round with a vicious left hook and securing a wide unanimous decision victory with scores of 115-112, 115-112, and 118-109. The lackluster performance from Garcia, who was expected to dominate, has sparked intense reactions from boxing pros and fans alike, leaving many questioning his readiness for the sport’s elite tier.
Garcia, returning after a year-long suspension due to a failed drug test following his 2024 bout with Haney, struggled to find his rhythm after the early knockdown. The 26-year-old, known for his lightning-fast hands and devastating power, appeared hesitant, landing just 65 punches compared to Romero’s 54, according to CompuBox—one of the lowest outputs in a 12-round fight. Romero, 29, capitalized on Garcia’s inactivity, consistently targeting the body and maintaining pressure throughout the 12 rounds. “He caught me early. No excuses,” Garcia admitted post-fight, acknowledging the toll of his layoff. Meanwhile, Romero’s victory earned him the WBA (Regular) welterweight title and a newfound respect in the boxing community.
Leading up to the fight, boxing pros were divided. Floyd Mayweather, a longtime supporter of Romero, predicted a knockout, citing his raw power and unrefined style as a perfect counter to Garcia’s speed. “Rolly’s got power—when you’ve got power like that, it doesn’t matter how fast the other guy is,” Mayweather had said, a sentiment echoed by others who saw Romero’s aggression as a potential trap for Garcia’s defensive flaws. On the flip side, fighters like Shakur Stevenson and Oscar De La Hoya were adamant Garcia would dominate, with Stevenson dismissing Romero as “not elite” and De La Hoya touting Garcia’s superior skills. Even Devin Haney, despite his skepticism of Garcia’s mental toughness, predicted a quick finish in Garcia’s favor—expectations that crumbled as Romero dictated the fight’s pace.
The reaction post-fight was a mix of shock and vindication. Some pros, as heard in the video, were “flabbergasted” at Garcia’s inability to adapt after the knockdown, with one noting, “Ryan and Devin just dropped the biggest bag you’ve ever seen,” referring to the canceled Haney rematch announcement. Others, like Andrew, praised Romero’s deserved win, pointing out Garcia’s lack of activity: “He just wasn’t active enough.” The fight’s outcome has also reignited debates about Garcia’s mental focus, a concern raised by Haney and others beforehand. Garcia’s trainer, Derrick James, had emphasized discipline in training, but the strategy faltered as Garcia failed to use his speed effectively, instead getting drawn into Romero’s game.
For Romero, this victory marks a career-defining moment, improving his record to 17-2 and positioning him as a serious contender at welterweight. Meanwhile, Garcia, now 24-2 with one no-contest, faces a crossroads. The loss not only derails his immediate plans but also raises questions about his ability to handle pressure against unpredictable fighters like Romero. As the boxing world digests this seismic upset, fans are left wondering: can Garcia bounce back, or has Romero exposed a fatal flaw in the once-promising star? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds!
