Boxing

RYAN GARCIA was DROPPED by Rolando Romero as he suffered a shock defeat in Times Square.Garcia headlined the huge bill in his return from drug ban, but Rolly Romero caused a SHOCK upset to leave Garcia’s mooted rematch with Devin Haney hanging in the balance.Haney had earlier kept up his end of the bargain with a win over Jose Carlos Ramirez.Teofimo Lopez also retained his WBO super-lightweight title against Arnold Barboza Jr.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Rematch next?After Ryan Garcia’s defeat and a poor showing from Devin Haney, the appetite for a blockbuster rematch hit a couple of huge obstacles last night. The first match was one of the best of 2024 and was mired in controversy, but fight fans may not want to see these two share a ring together after such poor performances.However, contracts have already been signed for Volume II and Rolly Romero is one person who thinks Haney and Garcia should fight.He said: “I think Devin and Ryan should get their rematch and make a big one.”Asked about his own immediate future, Romero was less clear and added: “Man, I ain’t even thinking about what’s next.”Copy linkCopied’He didn’t open up’Rolando Romero pulled off a huge upset win on Friday night, sending Ryan Garcia to the canvas in the second round with a beautiful left hook.Rolly later said that the shot had Garcia scared the rest of the fight.”The one time he opened up I cracked him and he didn’t open up at all the rest of the fight,” he said.”They’re always going to underestimate me because I’m not one of these prospects that started boxing, that had a following, all that stuff.”They’re fresh out of the amateurs, they’ve promoted them, ‘Oh, this is the next big thing yada, yada, yada.'”At the end of it, I’ve done this three times in three different divisions.”Copy linkCopiedHaney and Ramirez stinkerDevin Haney and Jose Ramirez weren’t just bad on the eye, they stunk up the stat sheet as well.CompuBox has been recording fights for around 40 years and their stats show just how historically bad this fight was.The two fighters landed a combined 110 punches, the FOURTH FEWEST ever in a 12-round fight.Ramirez landed just 40 shots in the whole fight, with neither man finding their target more than eight times in a single round.Hall of Fame commentator Jim Lampley said: “A whole year has gone by, and I think this is a hangover from the Ryan Garcia fight.”He is flinching, he is still having nightmares about Garcia’s left hooks.”He later added: “If ever there was a fight capable of inducing a nap in Times Square, it would be this one.”For comparison, Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn landed a combined 582 punches in their war a week earlier – five times more.Copy linkCopied’The judges are asleep’The boxing world has not been kind to Devin Haney and Jose Ramirez – with their social media posts much more entertaining than the fight itself. Conor Benn said: “The judges won’t have a scorecard because [they’re] all asleep.”Dillian Whyte wrote: “This Haney fight is trash, I can’t believe I stayed up for this.”Jack Catterall added: “Tell you what, I get called boring but this makes me look like a prime Marvin Hagler.”And Dillon Danis: “Devin Haney really put the city that never sleeps to sleep.”Copy linkCopiedBad night for OscarIt was a tough night for Oscar de la Hoya.His fighters on the night – Ryan Garcia, Arnold Barboza Jr and Jose Ramirez – all lost as Golden Boy Promotions went 0-3.Barboza and Ramirez have since been dragged for their performances, with both fighters really struggling to perform.Copy linkCopiedConor Benn not impressedConor Benn flew out to New York City’s Times Square to watch the massive bill as a fight with Ryan Garcia had been an option for the Brit.Benn had previously expressed an interest in that fight.But Benn, who lost his war with Chris Eubank Jr last week, was left extremely unimpressed by what he saw.Asked by iFL TV about the performance, Benn responded: “I didn’t think it was great. “Very disappointing performance. “It was terrible.”Then asked if he still wanted to fight Garcia, Benn said: “No, I don’t think so.”Copy linkCopiedGarcia arrivalIn case you missed it – and way before a humbling defeat – Ryan Garcia arrived for the fight in a BATMOBILE.Garcia wasn’t driving the car – which was used by Michael Keaton in Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) and Batman Return’s (1992).Copy linkCopiedGarcia TearsVideo has emerged of Ryan Garcia with his head in hands and in TEARS in his car after his defeat to Rolly Romero. He later posted a message on social media that read: “First want to Thank God for everything in every situation.”I couldn’t do it tonight, I’m devastated and really sad that I fought the way I did. “I just didn’t have it tonight felt off I fought a lot to get here, as you know what I went thru last year was something a lot of people don’t come back from. So I can see a victory for me in that. “Congratulations to Rollies, Hell of a dude and great hearted person wish you nothing but the best. “I love you all and thank you for everything.”Copy linkCopiedRomero sends Garcia plans crashing to the canvasThis was billed as huge return to the ring for Ryan Garcia after his one-year ban.However, after the fight all people were talking about was the performance of Rolly Romero.The highlight of the fight was Romero landing a hook on Garcia and following up with another on his way down.Rolly fully deserved his victory in Times Square.Copy linkCopiedDevin not showing flareDespite his unanimous win on the card this evening against Jose Ramirez, he needs to up his game far more going forward.His tactic seemed to be to keep away from his opponent and his constant moving around the ring made him a difficult target.Haney showed his attacking intent too little and was not putting in the sort of performance from his previous fight with Garcia.Copy linkCopiedFormer pro getting love from crowdShannon Biggs was a an easy figure to spot in a crowd.Fans were looking for selfies with the former big-hitter.There are plenty of stars in attendence of this Times Square triple main event this evening.Copy linkCopiedLopez adding spice to cardThe best fight in Times Square this evening seemed to be Teofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr.Both fighters got on the front foot whenever they could and were landing some good shots.Barboza had some power behind his blows but Lopez outboxed him through the fight and exploding into bursts of combinations.However, Lopez got an impressive win against a tricky opponent.Copy linkCopiedGarcia gent in defeatRyan Garcia had nothing but respect for Rolly Romero.Immediately after their fight he embraced his opponent.Speaking with DAZN afterwards it was evident that he had a lot of time for the performance of his opponent and that he had deserved victory in the ring.Copy linkCopiedVenue proves popular with fansUnder the bright lights of Times Square, the event as a whole seemed to be a success.While some of the bouts did not live up to the billing, there was no discontent from the fans.It was some backdrop to have to the boxing this evening.Copy linkCopiedRomero steals limelight in New YorkWhile everyone is wondering is Garcia will still have his rematch, based on what we have seen tonight, Romero versus Haney could be a better fight.With Haney and Garcia contractually committed to a rematch, it is unlikely we will get the fight we want.Garcia will have to have some training campt beforehand to get back to where he was when they last met.Copy linkCopiedGarcia left wanting in the ringSpeaking after the fight Ryan Garcia said that the year out of the ring has taken its toll on him and how Rolly Romero fought a good fight.It seems that the knockdown in the second round really affected him despite getting straight to his feet.It is back to the drawing board and while many people were looking forward to a Ryan Garcia vs Devin Haney rematch, they may not be so much now after the two boxers performances tonight.Copy linkCopiedWinner man of few wordsSpeaking with DAZN after his win, Romero answered questions on his win and next opponent:I just like to thank Jesus Christ, our lord and saviour, this is his win. How many knockdowns did we see in the fight? He is a warrior and he got back up. I haven’t thought about my next fight, I think Ryan and Devin should have their rematch.Rolly RomeroCopy linkCopiedRolly Romero wins by unanimous decisionCopy linkCopiedRyan Garcia vs Rolly Romero (Round 12)Romero leaps out of his corner, raring to go for the final round.Garcia just seems to have no drive to throw any punches still.You have to wonder whether being dropped in the second round has completely knocked the boxer out of him tonight.Romero keeps working his jab to the body and his slowing the pace of the fight really tilted it in his favour.Copy linkCopiedRyan Garcia vs Rolly Romero (Round 11)Romero is getting this job done in the latter rounds.His corner have obviously told him that he is probably up on the card.It has been a real flat performance from Garcia.He seems to wary of the power of Rolly’s counter punches.Copy linkCopiedRyan Garcia vs Rolly Romero (Round 10)Garcia really need to show something in these final three rounds.Nothing seems to be changing and he is still boxing on the counter.This is not what we expected to see from Garcia’s return, you think he should be letting his hands go more.Rolly lands a good hook to the body that his opponent definitely felt.Romero loses his footing trying a big roundhouse right hand but not able to land it.Copy linkCopiedRyan Garcia vs Rolly Romero (Round 9)When Romero gets on the front foot and drives at Garcia he seems to have the chance to get some real joy.On the back foot, Garcia does not seem to be able to weather the storm.Weirdly, Romero gets to a point and then stops letting his hands go.Another round Rolly has probably just edged there.Copy linkCopiedRyan Garcia vs Rolly Romero (Round 8)Garcia still seems to be fighting on the counter.This approach is not doing enough for him, many of the jabs are not landing.Romero comes forward with a little frenzy, trying to get some big hooks off but nothing connecting.Copy linkCopiedRyan Garcia vs Rolly Romero (Round 7)We are getting to the stage where Garcia needs to do something big.Many of the pudits do not feel has got back from that knockdown still.If this fight goes the distance, he needs to start trying to win more rounds.Copy linkCopiedRyan Garcia vs Rolly Romero (Round 6)Romero seems the more aggressive in that round.He is coming forward more and looking to land big punches.The AI judge has Garcia leading this on the scorecard.Who are we to question our soon-to-be new overlords after all.Copy linkCopied More

SOME of boxing’s biggest names feature on tonight’s blockbuster Times Square show.Ryan Garcia headlines the huge bill as King Ryan returns from his drug ban to face Rolly Romero in New York City.Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez also feature on the huge card as they face Jose Ramirez and Arnold Barboza Jr. respectively.Should Garcia and Haney both have hands raised in Times Square, the plan is for the two to face off in a stunning rematch after their last bout was ruled a non-contest.Garcia vs Romero time: 2am BST/9pm ET (approx)TV/Stream: DAZNCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Teofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr (Round 8)Lopez is very agile and moving around the ring.He is trying to make himself a moving target for Barboza.Then he looks to surprise him with a quick attack.Having won so many of the rounds so far, the pressure is on Baraboza to take the fight to Lopez.Copy linkCopiedTeofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr (Round 7)Barboza is struggling to get inside to get his shots off.Lopez comes over the top with a right and catches his opponent.The eye Barboza seems to be starting to swell a little.Copy linkCopiedTeofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr (Round 6)Barboza got himself back into this fight more in this one.The pundits do not see many rounds having gone to Barboza so far but that might be the first one.He caught Lopez well with a counter right hand that has caused a cut to the eye of the champion.Copy linkCopiedTeofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza JrTwo rounds have passed in this encounter which has Lopez’s WBO super-lightweight belt on the line. An aggressive start from Teo, who is operating with a more purposeful combination work in a lot of traffic in the middle of the ring. Copy linkCopiedGarcia is in the building…or in the vicinity of it, as we are outdoors after all, where fighters need taxis to get to the main stage. The main event is scheduled for 1am BST (5pm PT, 6pm CT, 8pm ET). Copy linkCopiedReito Tsutsumi UD6 Levale WhittingtonFor a pair of fighters boasting a combined three-match experience log, the display from the two was far beyond in skill and canvas craft.22-year-old Tsutsumi probed Whittington with more purposeful intent, working his American opponent on several occasions with the true power to threaten a knockout, landing twice the punches. At the end of the fifth round, Whittington’s trainer described his performance as one who “looked like someone stole their puppy.”The Japanese talent who aims to go far in the sport stood out in his first outing, as the judges’ scores were 60-54, 60-54 and 58-56-108. We now enter our stretch of key three main fights, starting with Arnold Barboza Jr. and Teofimo Lopez. Copy linkCopiedView from the groundHere’s how the streets of the fight location are looking from our very own Israel Salas-Rodriguez, including Arnold Barboza Jr. arrival: Copy linkCopiedFight Night readingIncludes a pair of exclusives with Teofimo Lopez and Ryan Garcia: Copy linkCopiedBattle of the BadgesWe’ve seen our first winner of the night… Action was opened up by the understated Battle of the Badges clash as amateur pair, New York firefighter James Gennari and an NYPD officer, Joel Allen went at it in the three-round affair with the former coming out on top.Ring ambassador Reito Tsutsumi makes his pro debut next. Copy linkCopiedPacquiao RETURNSElsewhere, a living legend continues to make headlines as the 46-year-old aims to make a return to the ring since… 2021. Copy linkCopiedTimes Square card Here’s how our bill is looking for tonight; Garcia, who returns to action after serving a year-long drug suspension, will dust-up in the main event with Rolando Romero.Copy linkCopiedPart IEvening and welcome to the first day of three fantasticly set-up nights of boxing weekend ahead with a bit of everything for the sport’s connoisseur. The best two in the business, Canelo Álvarez and Naoya Inoue, will contend in sport’s growing hotbeds, Riyadh and Vegas, but we start in New York as Ryan Garcia and co headline a monumental bill. The card, like most of boxing’s big nights nowadays, has been organised by The Ring Magazine and its chief Saudi matchmaker Turki Alalshikh. Their aim has been simple from the offset: to transcend the sport past its traditional barriers, and will accomplish that as the outdoor conditions of Times Squares host the event. The streets of Manhattan will bear viewing for free as screens will be plastered around, with a select few being able to watch ringside. “This is going to be very difficult for every single fighter,” said promoter Oscar De La Hoya at Thursday’s weigh-in. “As you can imagine, there will be people everywhere, distractions everywhere.”Stay tuned for all the night’s latest.Copy linkCopied More