Ryan Garcia returns to the ring next month to face Rolando Romero for the WBA Welterweight Regular Title.
The contest, dubbed Fatal Fury: Times Square, is the first at 147 pounds for both. It marks Garcia’s return to the ring since his no-contest against Devin Haney in April 2024 – initially a majority decision win before it was discovered he had tested positive for a banned substance during fight week.
Former WBA Super Lightweight Wolrd Champion Romero, who lost his belt to Isaac Cruz, last fought in September 2024, securing a points victory over Manuel Jaimes. Few, if any, are predicting this bout goes the distance, with 33 knockout wins between the fighters.
The pair have a common opponent in Gervonta Davis, who stopped Romero inside six and Garcia seven.
Speaking to the media before his controversial draw with Lamont Roach Jr, ‘Tank’ was asked who hits harder and didn’t hesitate when naming the unorthodox Romero.
“I ain’t gonna lie, Rolly hit harder. People are sleeping on Rolly. He hasn’t got a chin so Rolly gets caught but he can hit. He’s the only person I have felt. When he swung it felt like there were bricks in his hands.”
Should Garcia come through, and Devin Haney beats Jose Ramirez on the same night, the pair will be heading towards a rematch following their eventful first meeting early last year.
