Three of boxing’s biggest stars today—Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Teofimo Lopez Jr.—will take their talents to the renowned Times Square in New York against separate opponents.
Garcia (24-1, 1 no contest), will headline this unique triple-header billed “Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves” against Rolando “Rolly” Romero (16-2). Haney (31-0, 1 no contest), who lost to Garcia last year by decision, is set to face Jose Ramirez (29-2), while Lopez (21-1) is scheduled to fight Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-0).
Ryan Garcia Makes Much-Hyped Return After Drug Suspension
Ryan Garcia previously beat Haney in April 2024, also in New York, in one of last year’s best fights. But his win was subsequently overturned and ruled a no-contest after he tested positive for ostarine, a performance-enhancing drug. Garcia was later on suspended by the New York State Athletic Commission for a year for his positive test.
“I’m just excited to be back here in New York after such a historic event last time,” Garcia said at the news conference held recently to promote the triple-header. “It felt so sweet, so we’re going to have to do it again sooner or later, right?”
Garcia and Haney have since been in a near nonstop war of words, with the latter even suing the former for battery, fraud, and breach of contract in relation to their first fight and its fallout. The 26-year-old Californian also came in 3.2 pounds over the 140-pound limit for the Haney bout and was displaying bizarre behavior in the leadup to the much-anticipated fight.
The two are expected to figure in a rematch should they win their respective bouts. Garcia, who has looked more focus this time around, weighed 146.8 pounds in the weigh-in for his welterweight showdown with Romero, who came in at 146.6 pounds. Haney tipped the scales at 143 pounds for his catchweight bout with Ramirez, who tipped the scales at 143.8. Their fight will be disputed at 144 pounds.
Teofimo Lopez Defends WBO Title
Only one belt will be at stake at Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, and it will be Lopez’s WBO junior welterweight title. He won the belt on June 2023 with a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over the erstwhile unbeaten Josh Taylor. Lopez has since defended his belt twice—first against Jamaine Ortiz and then versus Steve Claggett (both by UD).
Lopez, who weighed 139.6 pounds, will be the first among Garcia and Haney to fight in this massive triple-header in Times Square, where a boxing ring will be put up right in the middle of the famous public space. Barboza came in at 139.8 pounds.
While usually a headliner, Lopez has been relegated to the undercard this time, only he doesn’t mind.
“It’s cool, man. It’s perfect. I don’t mind it,” said Lopez. “Look, the weather is only going to get more chillier outdoors. I’ll be up first, I’m happy with it. I’ll get in and out.”
A Unique Opportunity for Ryan Garcia and Company
A fight card featuring Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Teofimo Lopez Jr. is enough to create substantial buzz. The storylines—Garcia and Romero renewing their own rivalry, Haney looking to exorcise the ghost of his loss to Garcia, and Lopez looking to stamp his class—add to the intrigue as well. Even the location is creating considerable buzz among fans and the media alike.
The location—at the center of the Big Apple—will offer its own set of challenges as well, according to Golden Boy President Oscar De La Hoya, who is co-promoting the view.
“It’ll be all about staying focused. The fighters have to be laser focused,” said Oscar De La Hoya recently. “Don’t pay attention to all the noise outside of this ring. It’s going to be very difficult for every single fighter, because as you can imagine there will be people everywhere, thousands of people watching.
One thing is for certain, though. Ryan Garcia and company have been presented a unique opportunity to showcase their wares this weekend. Who takes full advantage is anyone’s guess.
