Garcia, Haney, and Lopez Hit the Scales for Blockbuster DAZN PPV Card in Times Square
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 02 May 2025
The bright lights of Times Square buzzed with anticipation today as the fighters for Friday night's (Saturday morning in Manila) stacked Ring Magazine and DAZN PPV card successfully made weight, setting the stage for a thrilling night of action. Headlined by a compelling WBA welterweight title clash and featuring two high-stakes co-main events, fight fans are in for a treat.
Ryan Garcia (L) and Rolly Romero (R) pose during Friday's weighin at Times Square in New York.
The main event sees the charismatic Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) of Victorville, CA, stepping up to challenge the WBA welterweight champion Rolando "Rolly" Romero (16-2, 13 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV. Both fighters looked confident and locked in as Garcia stepped the scales at 146.6 lbs while Romero came in slightly heaver at 146.8 lbs. The tension between the two was palpable during the face-off, hinting at the fireworks expected when they step into the ring. Garcia, known for his explosive speed and power, will be looking to dethrone the outspoken Romero, who promises to retain his title in his signature brash style.
Devin Haney (Center Left) and Jose Ramirez (Center Right) face off during Friday's weighin at Time Square in New York.
The co-main event features a fascinating welterweight showdown between two highly regarded contenders. Undefeated sensation Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) of Las Vegas, NV, weighed in at a trim 143 lbs, while former unified super lightweight champion Jose Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs) of Avenal, CA, also looked in peak condition at 143.8 lbs. This 12-round battle pits Haney's slick boxing skills and ring IQ against Ramirez's relentless pressure and powerful inside game. With both fighters eager to prove their credentials in the welterweight division, this promises to be a tactical and potentially explosive encounter.
Teofimo Lopez (L) and Arnold Barboza Jr (R) face off during Friday's weighin in New York.
Adding further intrigue to the stacked card is the RING and WBO super lightweight title clash between champion Teofimo Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY, and the formidable challenger Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-0, 11 KOs) of Long Beach, CA. Both fighters met their contracted weight, with Lopez at 139.6 lbs and the undefeated Barboza Jr. at 139.8 lbs. This bout is a classic clash of styles, with Lopez's explosive power and counter-punching prowess facing Barboza Jr.'s relentless pressure and high volume of punches. The atmosphere for this title fight is expected to be electric as Lopez returns to his home city to defend his belts against a hungry and undefeated opponent.
Opening the DAZN PPV broadcast will be a six-round super featherweight contest featuring the professional debut of highly regarded Reito Tsutsumi of Japan who weighed in at 128.8 lbs. He will face Chicago's Levale Whittington (1-2-1, 1 KO), who registered 127.8 lbs.
Rounding out the card, in a scheduled three-round light heavyweight amateur bout (weigh-in to occur on fight night, 5/2), James Gennari of Staten Island, NY, will face Joel Allen, also of Staten Island, NY.
With all fighters hitting their marks on the scales, the stage is firmly set for a memorable night of boxing under the bright lights of Times Square. Fight fans won't want to miss this historic card, live on DAZN PPV this Friday, May 2nd (Saturday, May 3rd in Manila).
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