Ryan Garcia is preparing to face the powerful Rolando “Rolly” Romero on May 2nd in New York City`s Times Square.
This unique location will host a significant Ring Magazine event. The main event is Garcia versus Romero, and the card also features Teofimo Lopez defending his WBO super-lightweight title against Arnold Barboza Jr., as well as Devin Haney`s return to the ring against Jose Carlos Ramirez.
While Romero is a dangerous opponent, Garcia is also thinking about a possible rematch with Devin Haney. They previously fought in April 2023 in Brooklyn, in a fight filled with tension. The lead-up to their first match was filled with heated words and some physical confrontations. Garcia initially won by majority decision, but it was later changed to a No Contest by the New York State Athletic Commission after Garcia tested positive for banned substances, leading to a year-long suspension.
Garcia`s behavior before the first Haney fight, including his erratic social media activity, raised concerns about his mental well-being.
In a recent interview, Garcia spoke about his past personal issues. “I was doing everything – gambling, drinking, women; anything I wanted. My family wanted me to get help and tried their best, but when you are in that state, you don`t listen.”
“When you have everything you desire, it’s not easy for everyone to handle. I have an addictive personality, so when I started, I went all in and took it to an extreme.”
At a media workout, Garcia discussed his new mindset for the Romero fight and his reunion with trainer Derrick James.
“I am in a different mental space now. Every fight and every training camp has its challenges. I felt like playing mind games with them because they like to play mind games with you. Bill Haney liked to say a lot of crazy things to throw you off, and I was going to out-crazy him. I went a bit too far, but I still won.”
A win against Romero could give Garcia the WBA`s Regular welterweight title. If Haney also wins against Ramirez, a rematch between Garcia and Haney later this year seems likely.
“I want the Devin Haney rematch 100 percent,” Garcia stated. “I need it, and I’m going to do it properly with USADA testing this time.”
“I really want the Devin Haney rematch. There is personal animosity there, which adds extra motivation when I fight him. Bill Haney`s constant trash talk also makes me want to beat him even more. This rematch is an opportunity to settle things definitively, and then I can move on.”
