Ryan Garcia makes his long-awaited return to the ring against Rolly Romero atop a fight card that also features his long-time rival Devin Haney in a historic New York bill, live and exclusive on DAZN.
The star will fight for the first time since a victory over his former foe was ruled a no-contest after he failed a drug test, having also failed to make weight for the bout before.
Garcia has been open about his demons and struggles since then, and there will be many that hope one of American boxing’s biggest names can put his troubles behind him.
But Romero will be determined to make the most of his chance in the spotlight, while Haney will have to contend with the challenge of Jose Ramirez too underneath them.
Garcia vs Romero | SAT 3 MAY 8AM AEST | Ryan Garcia makes his highly anticipated return to the ring to face Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero for the vacant WBA World Welterweight title in a stacked fight card in Times Square, New York | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports >
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Previously considered one of the biggest rising stars in American boxing, Ryan Garcia seemed poised to take the sport by storm before his clash with Devin Haney last year.
But having missed weight before the bout, his subsequent victory was ruled a no-contest due to a failed drug test, missing out on the WBC super lightweight title as a result.
He has not fought since, instead embroiled in controversies outside of the ring, but now he will return with a firm intention to stake his place as part of the sport’s upper tier again.
Romero will be determined to stop him however, with the former WBA super lightweight titleholder having built a sturdy reputation of his own since turning professional.
He suffered a second career loss against Isaac Cruz last March, losing the crown in his first defence, but has since rebounded to defeat Manuel Jaimes in September.
Romero will know he enters this contest as the outsider, with many fans having hoped for a Haney rematch instead – but here, he will be out to prove his mettle too.
Garcia is certainly not underestimating the threat that Romero offers against him, and addressed concerns that his time away from the ring could hinder his sharpness.
“I’ve got to take him as serious as if I’m fighting Devin, so we’re going to be prepared,“ he said.
”I’m explosive and I’m hungry. I feel the adrenaline right now.”
Romero meanwhile weighed in on his prospects, having sparred with his opponent previously and reportedly got the better of him on a pair of occasions.
“He got his ass beat,“ he added. “Twice. Three times a charm, right?“
START TIME
Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero will take place on Saturday morning AEST, with the whole card set to be shown live on DAZN PPV.
It marks the former’s first bout since his no-contest performance last April against Devin Haney, and the latter’s first fight since a September points win over Manuel Jaimes.
DAZN coverage starts: 7.30am
Main card: 8am
Main event ringwalks (approx): 9.30am
Garcia vs Romero | SAT 3 MAY 8AM AEST | Ryan Garcia makes his highly anticipated return to the ring to face Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero for the vacant WBA World Welterweight title in a stacked fight card in Times Square, New York | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports >
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LOCATION
The fight is set to be held at Times Square, in New York, United States.
The historic Midtown Manhattan intersection brings together Broadway, Seventh Avenue, and 42nd Street – and now, will bring some massive names together for an unmissable contest too.
FIGHT CARD
Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero – Welterweight
Devin Haney vs Jose Ramirez – Welterweight
Teofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr – Super lightweight, for the WBO title
HOW TO WATCH
Garcia vs Romero will be streamed live on DAZN PPV.
Australian fight fans can purchase the fight for AU$39.99 or take advantage of the DAZN Knockout Weekend Bundle for $62.99, which includes Garcia vs Romero and Canelo vs Scull on May 3.
The fight will also be streamed live on Main Event and Kayo Sports.
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ODDS
Ryan Garcia is the favourite to get the job done when he takes on Rolly Romero with the star priced odds-on at 1/10 for the win.
His opponent is the outsider, with relatively distant odds of 19/4 to take the upset victory.
TALE OF THE TAPE
Ryan Garcia
Nationality: American
Age: 26
Height: 5’ 8.5”
Reach: 70”
Total fights: 26
Record: 24-1 (1) (20 KOs)
Rolly Romero
Nationality: American
Age: 29
Height: 5’ 8”
Reach: 67”
Total fights: 18
Record: 16-2 (13 KOs)
This article originally appeared on DAZN and was reproduced with permission
