1 MIN AGO!! Ryan Garcia ATTACKED Rolly Romero At Airport ARRIVAL For a Press CONFERENCE!
Chaos erupted just moments ago at John F. Kennedy International Airport when Ryan Garcia attacked Rolly Romero during their arrival for a press conference ahead of their May 2 showdown at Times Square. The shocking incident, which occurred at 2:55 PM +07 (2:55 AM local time), has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, escalating an already heated rivalry to dangerous new heights.

A Violent Airport Clash
The altercation took place as Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) and Romero (16-2, 13 KOs) arrived in New York for the final press conference before their WBA welterweight title fight, part of the “Fatal Fury: City of Wolves” card. According to eyewitnesses, the two fighters crossed paths in the airport’s Terminal 4 arrivals area, where tensions from their ongoing feud boiled over. Posts on X captured the moment, showing Garcia charging at Romero and throwing a wild punch that connected with Romero’s shoulder, prompting a scuffle that saw both entourages rush in.

Security personnel and airport police quickly intervened, separating the fighters before the situation escalated further. Romero, visibly shaken but unhurt, shouted at Garcia as he was restrained, while Garcia continued to taunt him, yelling, “You’re done on May 2!” The incident, caught on video by fans and shared widely on social media, has already amassed millions of views, with clips showing Garcia laughing and dancing mockingly as he was pulled away.
A Rivalry Fueled by Bad Blood
The attack marks a dramatic escalation in the Garcia-Romero rivalry, which has been simmering since their contentious sparring session years ago. Tensions had already been high during their promotional tour, with Garcia issuing a fiery warning to Romero on March 2 via X, stating, “if you cross the line ima slap the f*ck outta you.” Romero, for his part, has dismissed Garcia’s credentials, claiming in a March 12 interview with Sports Illustrated that Garcia “doesn’t want to be champion” and only got to his position due to popularity, not skill.
This isn’t the first time their face-offs have turned chaotic. Just yesterday, April 29, posts on X described an intense face-off at their “Grand Arrivals” event in New York, where Garcia danced and laughed in Romero’s face, prompting Romero to shove Garcia in response. Today’s airport incident, however, crossed a new line, raising questions about whether the fighters can maintain professionalism leading up to their bout—or if the event itself might be jeopardized.
The Boxing World Reacts
The incident has sparked a frenzy of reactions online. Fans on X are divided, with some praising Garcia’s aggression as a sign of his hunger, while others condemn the attack as unprofessional. “Garcia just made this fight personal—Romero better watch out!” one user wrote, while another countered, “This is a disgrace to boxing—Garcia needs to be fined for this.” The hashtag #GarciaVsRomero trended worldwide within minutes, reflecting the global attention on this explosive rivalry.
Prominent figures in the sport have also weighed in. Promoter Eddie Hearn, who has worked with Garcia in the past, told Sky Sports, “This is unacceptable behavior. Ryan’s got to control himself—he’s risking sanctions before the fight even happens.” Meanwhile, former champion Tony Bellew, speaking on his podcast, warned, “If Garcia keeps this up, he’s going to get himself disqualified. Romero needs to stay calm and let his fists do the talking on May 2.”
What’s Next for Garcia and Romero?
The May 2 fight at Times Square, which also features Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez and Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr., is now under intense scrutiny. The event, broadcast live on DAZN PPV, was already a hot ticket, but Garcia’s attack has added a layer of unpredictability. Sources close to the promotion say organizers are considering additional security measures for the press conference scheduled later today, April 30, at 3:00 PM local time, to prevent further violence.
For Garcia, this incident could have serious repercussions. The New York State Athletic Commission, which previously suspended him for a year after testing positive for Ostarine in 2024, may impose fines or other penalties for his actions. Romero, meanwhile, is reportedly pushing for the fight to proceed as planned, with his team issuing a statement: “Rolly won’t let Garcia’s antics distract him. He’ll settle this in the ring.”
As the boxing world braces for what’s next, one thing is clear: the Garcia-Romero rivalry has reached a boiling point, and their May 2 clash in Times Square is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable—and unmissable—fights of the year.