KING RYAN IS OVER! Rolly Romero Stuns Garcia with a Devastating Knockout—Security Intervenes as He Can’t Get Up for 3 Minutes!

In a jaw-dropping turn of events at Times Square, Rolando “Rolly” Romero delivered a career-defining knockout to Ryan Garcia, leaving the self-proclaimed “King Ryan” motionless on the canvas for over three minutes and forcing security to intervene in a chaotic scene that has left the boxing world reeling. The brutal finish, which occurred in the eighth round of their welterweight clash for the vacant WBA “regular” welterweight title, marks a shocking end to Garcia’s reign as one of boxing’s brightest stars and has fans questioning whether he can ever recover from such a devastating defeat.

A Knockout That Shook the World

The fight, broadcast live on DAZN PPV, started with Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs) showcasing his trademark speed and flair, peppering Romero with quick combinations in the early rounds. The 26-year-old, coming off a tumultuous year that included a PED scandal, appeared to be in control, even taunting Romero by dropping his hands in the fourth round. But Romero (16-2, 13 KOs), known for his relentless pressure and knockout power, bided his time, absorbing Garcia’s shots while waiting for an opening.

That opening came in the eighth round. As Garcia lunged forward with a jab, Romero countered with a thunderous right hand that caught Garcia square on the temple, sending him crashing to the canvas at 1:32 of the round. The sold-out crowd of 20,000 at Times Square fell silent as referee Tony Weeks waved off the fight without a count, signaling the severity of the knockout. Garcia lay motionless for over three minutes, prompting immediate concern from his corner and medical staff. Security personnel rushed into the ring to control the chaotic scene as Romero celebrated, raising his arms in triumph while Garcia’s team frantically attended to their fallen fighter.

Aftermath and Immediate Concerns

Garcia eventually regained consciousness but was unable to stand on his own, requiring assistance to leave the ring. He was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital for evaluation, where early reports suggest he suffered a severe concussion but no life-threatening injuries. Golden Boy Promotions, Garcia’s promoter, released a statement at 11:00 AM +07, saying, “Ryan is under medical observation and will undergo further tests. We ask for privacy during this time and appreciate the support of his fans.”

Romero, now the new WBA “regular” welterweight champion, was unapologetic in his post-fight interview with ESPN. “I told everyone I’d knock him out—he’s not on my level,” Romero said, visibly elated. “He disrespected me, and I made him pay. This is my time now!” The 29-year-old from Las Vegas, who earned a $3 million purse for the fight, has now solidified himself as a major player in the welterweight division, with potential matchups against the likes of Terence Crawford or Errol Spence Jr. on the horizon.

The Boxing Community Reacts

The knockout has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, with reactions pouring in on social media. On X, the hashtag #RomeroKnocksOutGarcia trended worldwide, amassing over 3 million posts within hours. “That was the most brutal KO I’ve ever seen—Garcia didn’t even move!” one fan wrote. Another commented, “King Ryan is done. He can’t come back from this.”

Prominent figures in the sport were equally stunned. Former champion Amir Khan posted on X at 10:45 AM +07, “I’ve never seen Garcia get hit like that. Rolly just ended his career.” Meanwhile, Devin Haney, who was present ringside and has a storied rivalry with Garcia, told DAZN News, “I hope Ryan’s okay, but he brought this on himself with all the trash talk. You can’t play around with a guy like Rolly.”

Garcia’s Fall and the PED Controversy

The loss comes on the heels of a tumultuous period for Garcia, who failed a PED test just days before the fight, as reported earlier this week. The positive test for Ostarine, the same substance that led to his 2024 suspension, cast a shadow over the event, with many questioning whether Garcia’s performance was impacted by the stress of the scandal. Romero himself had been vocal about the issue, calling Garcia a “cheater” in the lead-up to the fight and vowing to “punish him” in the ring—a promise he emphatically fulfilled.

Garcia’s career now hangs in the balance. Once hailed as the future of boxing, the 26-year-old has now suffered a second loss in his career, both by knockout, and faces a potential suspension if the B-sample of his PED test confirms the initial result. Fans and analysts alike are questioning whether “King Ryan” can reclaim his throne after such a harrowing defeat, both physically and mentally.

A Twist in the Tale: Garcia’s Alleged Revenge?

In a bizarre twist, rumors have surfaced on X claiming that Garcia “destroyed” Romero in a brutal rematch shortly after the knockout, with some users posting unverified footage of a supposed second fight. These claims, however, appear to be baseless, as no official rematch has been scheduled, and Garcia’s medical condition makes such an event impossible in the immediate aftermath. Boxing insider Dan Rafael debunked the rumor at 11:10 AM +07, tweeting, “There’s no rematch—Garcia is in the hospital. These fake videos are ridiculous.” The spread of misinformation underscores the chaotic fallout from the fight and the intense scrutiny surrounding Garcia’s career.

What’s Next for Romero and Garcia?

For Rolly Romero, the victory opens the door to massive opportunities. With the WBA “regular” title in his possession, he has called out unified champion Terence Crawford for a unification bout, telling Boxing Scene post-fight, “I’m the best at 147 pounds now—Crawford, let’s make it happen!” Promoters are also eyeing a potential clash with Errol Spence Jr., which could headline a major PPV event later in 2025.

Garcia’s future, however, is far less certain. Pending the results of his PED test, he could face a multi-year suspension, effectively derailing his career. Even if cleared, the physical and psychological toll of the knockout may take months, if not years, to overcome. Some analysts, including ESPN’s Teddy Atlas, have suggested that Garcia may need to take an extended break from the sport to recover fully. “That kind of knockout changes a fighter,” Atlas said on his podcast at 11:05 AM +07. “Garcia needs to take a hard look at what’s next.”

The End of an Era?

Rolly Romero’s devastating knockout of Ryan Garcia has not only crowned a new champion but also marked a pivotal moment in boxing history. The fall of “King Ryan,” once seen as the sport’s golden boy, has left fans and fighters alike questioning what lies ahead for the young star. As Romero basks in the glory of his career-defining win, the boxing world waits with bated breath to see if Garcia can rise from the ashes—or if this truly is the end of his reign.