Rolly Romero Upsets Ryan Garcia, Throws Garcia-Haney Rematch into Chaos
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 03 May 2025
In a stunning turn of events, Rolly Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) defeated Ryan Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) by unanimous decision to claim the WBA welterweight title in a Ring Magazine-promoted main event at Times Square in New York streamed live on DAZN Friday night (Saturday in Manila). The judges’ scorecards read 115-112 (Tony Paolillo, Tom Schreck) and a wide 118-109 (Waleska Roldan) in favor of Romero, who handed Garcia his second career defeat.
The Knockdown That Changed the Fight
Romero set the tone early, flooring Garcia in the second round with a double left hook that caught the former lightweight contender off-guard. Though Garcia beat the count, the knockdown seemed to rattle his confidence, making him hesitant to let his hands go.
From that moment on, Romero — known for his power and unorthodox style — controlled the tempo, using his solid physique and bulging calf muscles (a noticeable physical advantage) to outmuscle Garcia in clinches. The fight devolved into a chess match, with both fighters waiting for openings rather than engaging in high-volume exchanges.
A Historically Low-Output Fight
The bout’s lack of action was statistically glaring, with the two fighters combining for only 474 punches thrown — one of the lowest outputs in a 12-round championship fight in recent memory. This even surpassed the dull affair between Devin Haney and Jose Ramirez earlier in the evening, which itself was criticized for its lack of excitement.
Garcia, typically known for his lightning-fast combinations and lethal left hook, appeared passive, rarely committing to his punches. Romero, meanwhile, fought confidently but cautiously, content to outmaneuver Garcia rather than take unnecessary risks.
Haney-Garcia Rematch in Doubt
The fallout from Romero’s victory could have major implications for the already-signed Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney rematch. Haney (32-0, 15 KOs) fought Garcia last year where he hit the canvas twice and lost the fight but later fight was declared a no contest after Garcia found to have taken performance enhancing drugs by the New York Boxing Commission.
With Garcia now suffering a second loss (first to Gervonta Davis, now to Romero), his stock takes a significant hit. Meanwhile, Haney’s lackluster performance against Ramirez — where he won but failed to impress — raises questions about whether the rematch still holds the same appeal.
What’s Next for Romero?
Romero, who was largely written off after his TKO loss to Gervonta Davis in 2022, has now positioned himself as a major player at 147 lbs. Potential opponents could include Devin Haney, Jaron Ennis and Mario Barrios.
For Garcia, this loss forces him back to the drawing board. His power and speed remain elite, but his defensive flaws and reluctance to engage have now cost him twice at the championship level.
Romero’s victory shakes up the welterweight division, proving once again that boxing’s unpredictability is its greatest drama. With Haney’s future uncertain and Garcia’s star dimmed, the landscape at 147 lbs just got a lot more interesting.
Will Romero defend his belt against a top contender? Will Garcia-Haney II still happen? One thing’s for sure: Rolly Romero just made himself impossible to ignore.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
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