Devin Garcia (right) lost for only the second time in 26 professional fights Ryan Garcia suffered a shock points loss to Rolando Romero at New York's iconic Times Square, scuppering a planned rematch with Devin Haney. American Garcia, 26, was dropped in the second round by a left hook and outboxed in large parts of the welterweight bout. Underdog Romero, 29, was deservedly awarded a unanimous decision with scores of 115-112, 115-112 and 118-109. "He fought a good fight; caught me early. No excuses, man. Congrats to him - he did a great job," Garcia said. Garcia was competing for the first time since serving aone-year doping banafter testing positive for banned substance ostarine following hisvictory over Haneyin April 2024, which was overturned into a no-contest. "A whole year took a lot of my body physically and mentally," Garcia said, adding that he would now go "back to the drawing board". Earlier, Haney, 26, kept his side of the bargain with a unanimous yet underwhelming win against fellow American Jose Carlos Ramirez. Haney boxed on the back foot as neither fighter threw anything of note in a forgettable 12-round contest. In the performance of the night, American two-weight world champion Teofimo Lopez defended his WBO light-welterweight title with a stylish points win over compatriot Arnold Barboza Jr. Former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney (left) extended his record to 32 professional wins After a year lay-off, an overly cautious Haney, who was dropped three times by Garcia last year, never really got going in a below-par showing. He circled around the ring, landing the occasional lead left hook, but neglected his jab as single shots did enough to edge the rounds. Defensively, it was a sound performance by Haney, largely because gun-shy Ramirez did so little. The judges scored it 119-109, 119-109 and 118-110. The bout was best summed up by Scotland's former undisputed light-welterweight world champion Josh Taylor, who said on social media that Haney looked "terrified" and "frantic". Haney-Ramirez sapped the 'Big Apple' of its energy and vibe but the early drama in the headline bout lifted the mood. Romero landed a stinging double left hook to floor Garcia. It was a flush and hurtful punch which he later followed with a clubbing right before Garcia regained his senses. With both fighters unwilling to over-commit, Romero edged the rounds with better use of the jab, coupled with Garcia's tentativeness. "Get busy," trainer Derrick James pleaded with Garcia before the championship rounds. The pep talk had no impact as Romero landed a combination to head and body in the 11th. Haney, now ringside, was left shaking his head at the final bell. Times Square - located where Broadway and 7th Avenue meet at 42nd Street - was turned into a boxing venue. In a first for the sport, a ring was constructed in the middle of the city's iconic landmark. Fighters were driven through the New York traffic in distinctive vehicles, including classic yellow cabs and monster trucks. Garcia arrived in a Batmobile. They walked up a short runway and into the ring, a journey which took no more than 30 seconds at a leisurely pace. The action was shown on screens to spectators outside the venue. Inside, about 300 invited guests, including boxing greats Mike Tyson and Roberto Duran, watched as downtown Manhattan's iconic high-rise buildings, dazzling neon signs and LED advertising provided a famous backdrop. This unprecedented event may be a sign of the future. Saudi Arabia's boxing powerhouse Turki Alalshikh has grand plans to host a boxing card at the notorious former Alcatraz prison in San Francisco, California.
Shock Garcia loss scuppers Haney rematch
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Ryan Garcia Loses to Rolando Romero, Halting Plans for Devin Haney Rematch"
Bbc News
8.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Ryan Garcia faced a surprising defeat in his welterweight bout against Rolando Romero at Times Square, New York, marking only his second loss in 26 professional fights. The match saw Garcia being knocked down in the second round by a powerful left hook and ultimately outboxed throughout the fight. Romero, the underdog, secured a unanimous decision victory with judges scoring the fight 115-112, 115-112, and 118-109 in his favor. After the match, Garcia acknowledged Romero's performance, stating, "He fought a good fight; caught me early. No excuses, man. Congrats to him - he did a great job." This loss not only ended Garcia's hopes for a rematch with Devin Haney but also came after a year-long hiatus due to a doping ban related to a positive test for ostarine, following Garcia's earlier victory over Haney, which was overturned into a no-contest.
In another notable fight on the same card, Devin Haney managed to secure a unanimous decision victory over Jose Carlos Ramirez, though his performance was described as lackluster. Haney, who had been out of the ring for a year, did not appear to be in top form and was criticized for his overly cautious approach during the bout. The judges scored the fight 119-109, 119-109, and 118-110 in favor of Haney. Commentary on the match described Haney as appearing "terrified" and "frantic," which contributed to a dull atmosphere in the venue. Meanwhile, the event itself was historic, as a boxing ring was set up in Times Square, making it a unique spectacle against the backdrop of the city’s vibrant lights and iconic buildings. This innovative setup may signal a new direction for the sport, with plans for future boxing events in unconventional locations, including a proposed card at Alcatraz prison in San Francisco by Saudi Arabia's boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent article reports on a surprising turn of events in the boxing world, particularly focusing on the unexpected loss of Ryan Garcia to Rolando Romero. This defeat not only impacts Garcia's career trajectory but also disrupts a much-anticipated rematch with Devin Haney. The article highlights both fighters' performances, the implications of Garcia's recent doping ban, and the overall atmosphere of the boxing community.
Impact of the Loss on Future Matches
The defeat of Ryan Garcia is significant as it derails the planned rematch with Devin Haney, which many boxing fans were looking forward to. The article emphasizes that this loss marks only Garcia's second defeat in 26 professional fights, suggesting that he still holds a reputable standing in the sport. However, the timing is critical; Garcia's return after a year-long doping ban adds another layer of complexity to his career and raises questions about his future in boxing.
Perception of Fighters and Their Performances
The article paints a picture of both fighters' recent performances. Garcia's loss is framed as a clear defeat, with Romero deservingly winning by unanimous decision. In contrast, Devin Haney's victory over Jose Carlos Ramirez is described as "underwhelming," indicating a lack of excitement and intensity in his performance. This contrast may shape public perception of both fighters, with Garcia seen as vulnerable and Haney as cautious, potentially affecting their marketability and fan support.
Narrative Surrounding Doping and Its Consequences
Garcia's recent doping ban introduces a critical narrative about accountability and the consequences of athletes' actions. His acknowledgment of the impact of the ban on his physical and mental state could elicit sympathy, but it also raises concerns about his commitment to fair play in the sport. The article hints at a broader discussion within the boxing community regarding doping practices and their implications for athletes' careers.
Community Reactions and Broader Implications
The reactions from fans and analysts may vary, with some supporting Garcia as he seeks redemption and others criticizing him for his past actions. The article may subtly aim to foster a discussion around the integrity of the sport and the emotional resilience of athletes facing setbacks. This loss could also influence the economic landscape of boxing, as upcoming matches and promotional events hinge on popular fighters' performances.
Overall Trustworthiness
The article appears to be a straightforward account of events, using factual reporting about the matches and quotes from the fighters. However, the framing of Garcia's loss and Haney's cautious approach can evoke a particular narrative that may not fully capture the complexity of their situations. While the information seems reliable, the way it presents the fighters' performances could be viewed as slightly biased based on the emotional undertones.
In conclusion, the article serves to inform the audience about recent developments in the boxing world while also shaping perceptions of the fighters involved. The overall portrayal of Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney has the potential to influence public opinion and future match outcomes.