Ryan Garcia suffered a defeat in New York`s Times Square at the hands of Rolando Romero last night, significantly impacting his prospects for a potential rematch with Devin Haney later this year.
While a Haney rematch isn`t entirely ruled out in the unpredictable world of boxing, Garcia`s performance, especially contrasting with Haney`s dominant win over Jose Ramirez on the same night, makes a strong case for it difficult to make. The judges scored the bout unanimously for Romero, with scores of 115-112 (twice) and a wider 118-109 in favor of the Las Vegas fighter.
Interestingly, the left hook that was crucial in Garcia`s April 2024 victory over Haney proved to be his undoing in this fight. Following a promising start, Ryan was knocked down by that very punch and adopted a highly cautious approach for the subsequent ten rounds.
Garcia started well, landing his jab effectively in the first round. However, reverting to old tendencies, he was caught upright in the second round. Romero capitalized, landing a heavy left hook to the chin. Romero attempted a follow-up shot, which was partially blocked, but Garcia was already collapsing to the canvas for a knockdown administered by referee Ricky Gonzalez.
For the remainder of the contest, Romero fought defensively, using his shoulder roll and tight guard while effectively using his jab to both head and body. Ryan Garcia appeared hesitant to let his hands go and couldn`t establish a rhythm that would trouble Romero.
“You deserved this, you`ve earned it,” his corner, led by Derrick James, was heard saying between rounds 10 and 11 – a perhaps unusual, but likely intended as motivating, message.
Falling to a record of 24-2 (20 KOs), the fighter from Victorville couldn`t turn the tide in this bout for the vacant WBA welterweight title.
A gracious Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) stated, “I don`t even think about what`s next… I think Devin and Ryan should get their rematch and make a big one.”
Garcia offered his perspective: “Rolly fought a good fight, he caught me early. No excuses, congrats to him, he did a great job and that`s that.”
