Rolly Romero and Ryan Garcia faced off in a highly anticipated main event bout on May 2nd in New York City.
Fight Summary
Round 1
Both fighters started cautiously, using their jabs to probe. Garcia landed effective body jabs, while Romero also worked the body. Garcia showed good speed on his jab, keeping Romero at distance. Romero sought to close the gap but was mostly hitting gloves. Romero landed a notable body shot towards the end of the round, but Garcia`s jab control was evident.
Round 2
Romero came out strong, landing a pair of left hooks that sent Garcia to the canvas early. Garcia quickly got up and recovered, answering the count. Romero pressed his advantage, throwing with power and focusing on the body. Garcia returned to his jab to regain control. Romero continued looking for a knockout with his right hand. Garcia finished the round with a left hook.
Round 3
Romero opened with jabs, attempting to keep Garcia at bay. Both fighters showed mutual respect. Romero targeted the body and head with jabs, while Garcia defended well and responded with body jabs of his own. Garcia landed a left to the body and a right hand, making it a competitive round with exchanges.
Round 4
Garcia connected with a body shot, continuing to find success with his jab. Romero also worked the body. Garcia used his footwork effectively to get inside and land jabs. Romero`s long jab to the body remained a focus. Garcia backed Romero up with a jab and landed another strong jab, despite Romero`s defensive movement.
Round 5
Garcia won an early exchange and landed a counter left and a right hand, controlling the distance. He added a quick body shot. Romero responded with a body jab, and the fighters briefly clinched before separation. Garcia finished the round with another body shot.
Round 6
Romero kept pressuring, looking for openings to land body jabs even as Garcia fired back. Garcia landed a left hook, followed by another. Romero snuck a right hand through Garcia`s defense and landed a body jab. The round remained close, with Romero landing a left hook and a left to the body late.
Round 7
Romero resumed his body attack. Garcia landed a body shot from the inside and strung together several jabs. Romero`s left hook was defended. The output was lower this round, possibly due to fatigue or strategy. Garcia continued pecking away with quick jabs to the body and head.
Round 8
Romero launched a left and they traded body jabs. A wild right from Romero missed. The action slowed, with less engagement. Garcia landed a good jab and a glancing right after a clinch. He landed more consistent jabs but lacked follow-up power. The referee warned both for holding. Romero landed a left hook to the body before the bell.
Round 9
Romero attacked the body, forcing Garcia onto the back foot. Garcia tied him up to slow the momentum. After trading tie-ups, Romero landed a left hook. Garcia stuck with his jab, but his lack of power punches potentially cost him on the scorecards. Romero connected solidly with his body jabs and landed another left hook. Garcia landed a jab and a short right in a clinch but maintained distance, respecting Romero`s power. Romero continued his body work.
Round 10
Romero pressed forward aggressively, using his jab effectively to the body. A body shot led to a clinch, where they traded shots. Romero landed a left hook and a right hand that caused Garcia to cover up, followed by a left. Romero stalked Garcia, who threw few punches, a seemingly passive strategy. Romero began landing significant power punches.
Round 11
Romero set the pace with his jab and landed a right hand to the body. He showed confidence as Garcia appeared reluctant to trade. Romero landed body punches freely, while Garcia primarily backed up, circled, and conceded ground. Garcia seemed off, offering little offense.
Round 12
Romero immediately went back to the jab, including body jabs. Garcia remained inactive, throwing very few punches. Romero did not need to do much, simply walking Garcia down and jabbing. More body jabs sealed the round for Romero, who seemed headed for a decision win.
Official Result
Rolly Romero defeated Ryan Garcia via unanimous decision with scorecards of 115-112, 115-112, and 118-109.
