On May 2, 2025, Rolando “Rolly” Romero shocked the boxing world by defeating Ryan “King Ry” Garcia in a unanimous decision upset at Times Square, New York City. The WBA (Regular) welterweight title fight, headlining the “Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves” card, saw Romero drop Garcia in the second round and dominate with relentless pressure. Final scorecards read 115-112, 115-112, and 118-109, handing Garcia a crushing loss in his return from a year-long suspension. This historic event, broadcast on DAZN PPV, drew global attention as Romero reclaimed his place among boxing’s elite. Let’s break down the night, the stakes, and what’s next for both fighters.
Rolando Romero’s Redemption: The Fight Breakdown
Romero, a 29-year-old Las Vegas native with a 16-2 record (13 KOs), entered as a +650 underdog against Garcia’s -1100 odds, per CBS Sports. His early knockdown set the tone, exposing Garcia’s vulnerability. Romero’s power punches and aggressive style overwhelmed Garcia, who struggled to find his rhythm after the second-round scare. The Times Square crowd roared as Romero’s disciplined approach—honed after losses to Gervonta Davis (2022) and Isaac Cruz (2024)—paid off. Garcia, 26, couldn’t capitalize on his speed or 2-inch reach advantage, marking a setback in his comeback. The fight, starting around 9:00 PM ET, capped a card featuring Devin Haney’s win over Jose Ramirez and Teofimo Lopez’s title defense.
The Stakes and Context
The WBA’s decision to sanction this “regular” welterweight title fight sparked debate, with fans on X calling it a “fake belt.” Still, Romero’s victory elevates him in the 147-pound division, where Jaron Ennis holds the WBA Super Champion status. Romero’s net worth, estimated at $7.5 million, will soar with this PPV payday, likely exceeding his usual $200,000-$500,000 purse. Garcia, meanwhile, faces scrutiny after his suspension for testing positive for ostarine in 2024. His Batmobile entrance couldn’t mask the disappointment of this loss.
What’s Next for Rolando Romero’s Redemption?
Romero’s upset opens doors to big fights. A rematch with Garcia could draw massive PPV numbers, or he might face Ennis or Terence Crawford. His power and charisma make him a fan favorite, but improving his defense is crucial. Garcia, gracious in defeat, vowed to regroup. The night, backed by promoter Turki Alalshikh and featuring Mike Tyson on commentary, cemented Times Square as a boxing landmark.
Key Fight Stats
| Fighter | Record | KOs | Odds | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rolando Romero | 16-2 | 13 | +650 | W (UD) |
| Ryan Garcia | 24-2 | 20 | -1100 | L (UD) |
Catch the Action
Missed it? DAZN replays and highlights on RingMagazine.com or Yahoo Sports have you covered. Romero’s redemption story is just beginning—stay tuned for what’s next!