Boxing Showdown in Times Square: Garcia, Haney, and Lopez Headline a Night of High-Stakes Fights
If you find yourself wandering through the bustling heart of New York City on Friday, May 2, you might notice something a bit out of the ordinary in Times Square. This iconic tourist hotspot is set to transform into a boxing arena, hosting a spectacular event featuring some of the sport’s most electrifying fighters. The spotlight will be on the charismatic Ryan Garcia as he faces off against former junior welterweight champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero. Meanwhile, former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney is set to make his return against former 140-pound champion Jose Ramirez in a welterweight bout. To top it all off, WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez Jr. will defend his title against the unbeaten Arnold Barboza Jr. (DAZN PPV).
As the anticipation builds, fans are left with burning questions: Can Garcia and Haney secure victories to set the stage for a rematch of their controversial no contest in April 2024? Will Lopez deliver a performance reminiscent of his triumphs over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, or will he struggle as he did against lesser-known opponents like Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett? And can Barboza capitalize on his first title fight opportunity against Lopez, a fighter eager to prove he remains elite and unbreakable?
Let’s dive into these three matchups, examining the fighters’ strengths and weaknesses, and make some predictions on who might emerge victorious.
Ryan Garcia (-900) vs. Rolando “Rolly” Romero (+550)
Left Hook Specialist vs. Awkward Punching Power
Ryan Garcia is stepping back into the limelight after a yearlong suspension due to a positive test for a banned substance following his bout with Haney this past April. Under the tutelage of Derrick James, ESPN’s 2022 trainer of the year, Garcia is showing signs of refined development. At 26, he remains raw in certain areas, but his improved boxing IQ suggests a high ceiling. Garcia’s evolution is reminiscent of a young Manny Pacquiao, who initially relied heavily on a straight left hand before adding more dimensions to his game under trainer Freddie Roach.
Garcia’s left hook is his signature weapon—fast, accurate, and dangerous whether he’s advancing or retreating. However, to elevate his game further, he needs to develop a sharp, consistent right cross. If James can help him achieve this, Garcia could become a legitimate double-fisted threat. On the other side of the ring, Romero is a latecomer to the sport, having started at 17. His punching power is unorthodox but dangerous, fitting the “awkward power” mold of fighters like Deontay Wilder and Marcos Maidana. However, Romero’s defense is a glaring weakness. He has been knocked out twice due to his reckless aggression and tendency to lunge in with his head up and hands down, leaving his chin exposed.
Romero fights like a bully, pressuring and roughhousing his opponents. But as with most bullies, he tends to fold when pushed back. Under pressure, Romero’s decision-making unravels, leading to panic. This is why I see Garcia having early success in this fight. He’s the more technical, composed fighter with faster hands and sharper timing. Romero will charge forward, but Garcia should weather the early storm, reposition the fight to the center of the ring, and find his range with his jab. Once in control, Garcia will unleash his signature left hooks and mix in other combinations to catch Romero clean.
Who Wins?
Romero has a puncher’s chance if he can catch Garcia early, but his confidence in his chin seems to be waning. Against someone with Garcia’s speed, power, and accuracy, this is a recipe for disaster. I don’t see this fight going past six rounds—perhaps not even four.
Teofimo Lopez (-225) vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. (+175)
Inconsistency vs. Hunger
Teofimo Lopez is one of the most unpredictable figures in modern boxing. His talent is undeniable, but his inconsistency keeps fans guessing. However, Lopez tends to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest. Against Lomachenko, he shocked the world and was voted the 2020 Fighter of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America. Against Taylor in June 2023, Lopez once again proved his naysayers wrong, delivering what many consider the best performance of his career.
Barboza, a seasoned and hungry No. 1 contender, has carved an inspiring path: 12 years as a professional, 32 fights without a title opportunity, no shortcuts. He’s a fighter forged in the long road of boxing oblivion who has earned every right to this title shot. Barboza comes into this fight as an underdog but with peak confidence after his decision win over Catterall in February. He’s a well-rounded technician with slick counters, solid hand speed, and ring smarts. He adapts well in fights, doesn’t waste motion, and keeps his defense tight.
Lopez, on the other hand, is something of an enigma. He fights with raw arrogance, daring opponents to beat him at his own game. He’s explosive, unorthodox, and athletically gifted with some of the best fast-twitch reactions in boxing. His footwork can seem smooth at times and erratic at others, but his timing, reflexes, and ability to generate power while leaping into punches are elite.
Barboza has the style to frustrate Lopez, just as Jamaine Ortiz did in February 2024. Barboza would be wise to force Lopez to lead, as Lopez’s lack of a consistent jab often leaves him guessing when to time his opponent with a counter. Barboza’s sharp reads and ability to change rhythm mid-round could create openings, especially if he can turn Lopez and expose his occasionally poor footwork.
Who Wins?
This isn’t just another title defense for Lopez. There is a lot of built-up pressure, and Barboza is a dangerous challenger. If Lopez is on point, his talent and experience could make all the difference. I see a knockout opportunity or a unanimous decision for Lopez, but if he’s not at his best, this could become a gritty, hard-fought battle that ends in a draw or split decision win in either fighter’s favor.
Devin Haney (-1200) vs. Jose Ramirez (+650)
Broken Discipline vs. the Battle-Worn Ex-Champ
Devin Haney was groomed, built, and constructed from the ground up, seeking knowledge from Floyd Mayweather—one of boxing’s best defensive fighters. Haney’s foundation was built on solid fundamentals, a consistent jab, sharp right crosses, and occasional left hooks and lead uppercuts. However, even under superior guidance, technical flaws can still develop.
Haney’s failure to keep his right hand up when punching, like throwing his left jab in a bow and arrow form with his right guard pulled away from his face, is a flaw in his game that hurt him severely against Garcia, a fight in which he was knocked down three times with left hooks.
In his first fight since that defeat, Haney will face a warrior in Ramirez, who brings intensity and a heavy emphasis on body shots and left hooks into the ring. Ramirez, 32, is coming off a November 2024 loss to Barboza, who tamed Ramirez’s pressure with lateral movement and precise counterpunching. Ramirez’s fights are never dull, but while watching him against Barboza, the phrase “battle-worn” came to mind. Ramirez came to fight every second of every round, but he seemed to be a half step behind.
Ramirez has gotten outboxed by former undisputed junior welterweight champion Taylor and Barboza. With each grueling camp, with each round of pushing yourself on pure will, the furnace assuredly dims. Ramirez will need patience and a clear understanding of cutting off the ring against Haney to beat the former undisputed champion at 135 pounds. Haney’s demand for a catchweight of 144 pounds should, in theory, favor the older Ramirez, as he has fought at 140 pounds his entire career. However, fighting more comfortably with youthfulness and added weight can also benefit the 26-year-old Haney.
Who Wins?
Haney brings a lot to the table with his speed, sharp jab, and defensive awareness. Ramirez is tough and experienced, but he’s not the fastest or most elusive guy. If Haney sticks to his usual game of smart boxing, lateral movement, clean counters, tie-ups, and fighting on the outside, it’s hard to see Ramirez winning. I’ll go with Haney by decision.
Originally Written by: Timothy Bradley Jr.
