One of boxing’s most prominent figures suffered a stunning loss under Times Square’s bright lights on Friday night.
Ryan Garcia (24-2) dropped his rematch with Rolly Romero (16-2), falling via unanimous decision. The 26-year-old fight looked sluggish and underwhelming in the joust, failing to produce much output against the powerful Romero.
In the second round, Garcia crashed to the canvas after absorbing a crunching left hand from Romero. It set the stage for a largely unforgettable fight for the former WBC interim lightweight champion; he fired off just 50 or so successful punches over the course of the night.
MORE: Rolando Romero dominant vs. Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney & Teofimo Lopez earn wins in Times Square matchups
As Romero frolicked in the ring following his decisive win, Garcia looked weary. Friday’s outing was a far cry from his last fight in the Big Apple when he stopped Devin Haney with a barrage of punches before being stripped of a victory after testing positive for PEDs post-fight.
Here’s a look at what Garcia had to say following the conclusion of Friday’s bout.
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Ryan Garcia post-fight interview
Garcia cut a disappointed figure after Romero’s victory was made official. Speaking to media after his display, Garcia made no excuses for his showing, instead praising Romero for his fighting chops.
“He fought a good fight, caught me early,” Garcia said. “No excuses, man, congrats to him, he did a great job, and that’s that.”
Ryan Garcia makes no excuses after losing to Rolly Romero ❌
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Garcia was handed a one-year suspension last year after testing positive for Ostarine, a performance-enhancing drug. He expressed belief that the layoff played a role in the shape and tenor of his performance on Friday night.
“I just think that whole just took a lot off my body physically and mentally,” Garcia said. “I’m just happy that I made it to the ring and went 12 rounds.”
He also told reporters he wasn’t enthused with the atmosphere that swept across Times Square on Friday night, likening it to a sparring match.
MORE: Social media reactions to Garcia upset | Garcia enters Times Square ring in Batmobile
Garcia was widely tipped to be eyeing a rematch with Haney in the months to come. His performance, coupled with the unconvincing nature by which Haney claimed his victory on Friday night, might’ve put a temporary halt to those plans. Garcia was noncommittal regarding his immediate future on Friday.
“You just got to go to the drawing board with my team,” Garcia said. “We’ll talk it over and we’ll see what we do next.”
Ryan Garcia reacts to loss to Rolly Romero in Times Square
Garcia took to social media to offer some additional thoughts on his defeat to Romero.
“I’m devastated and really sad that I fought the way I did,” Garcia wrote. “I just didn’t it tonight felt off.”
First want to Thank God for everything in every situation, I couldn’t do it tonight, I’m devastated and really sad that I fought the way I did. I just didn’t have it tonight felt off
I fought a lot to get here, as you know what I went thru last year was something a lot of…
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) May 3, 2025
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