Ryan Garcia Lost To Rolly Romero: A Shocking Upset That Shakes the Welterweight Division
- Austin Jones
- May 2
- 3 min read
Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero: A Shocking Upset That Shakes the Welterweight Division
The highly anticipated bout between Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero on May 2, 2025, at Times Square, New York, turned into a stunning upset. In what can only be described as a seismic shift in the boxing world, Romero defeated Garcia by unanimous decision, snatching the WBA Regular welterweight title in front of a packed crowd.
Round-by-Round Breakdown:
Round 1: A Cautious Start
Garcia entered the ring with his usual flare, looking to establish his jab and maintain his distance. Romero, however, showed patience and controlled the tempo of the fight early on, waiting for his chance to counter. Garcia seemed slightly reserved, not displaying his usual aggressive self, and Romero capitalized on that.
Round 2: A Stunning Knockdown
The turning point of the fight came in the second round. Romero unleashed a perfectly timed double left hook that sent Garcia crashing to the canvas. The knockdown shocked the crowd and set the tone for the remainder of the fight. Garcia struggled to recover, and Romero seized the opportunity to dictate the pace.
Rounds 3-12: Romero’s Defensive Masterclass
As the rounds progressed, Romero continued to assert his control. His counterpunching was sharp, and he was able to frustrate Garcia with his defensive skills. Garcia tried to push the pace but found himself repeatedly caught by Romero’s well-timed counters. Despite Garcia landing more total punches (66 to Romero's 57), and more jabs (48 to 39), it was Romero’s superior defense and effective counterpunching that made the difference.
Garcia failed to adjust to Romero’s style, and despite his best efforts, he couldn’t find his rhythm. Romero’s composure, focus, and solid strategy earned him the victory as the judges scored the fight 115-112, 115-112, and 118-109 in his favor.
What This Means for the Division
This unexpected loss for Ryan Garcia throws the welterweight division into turmoil. Garcia, who had been eyeing a rematch with Devin Haney, now faces questions about his future at the top level. Garcia’s reputation has taken a hit, and the pathway to a potential showdown with Haney is no longer as clear-cut as it once was.
On the other hand, Romero’s victory places him squarely in the conversation as a top contender in the division. His performance against Garcia shows that he is more than just a knockout artist; he’s a tactical and well-rounded fighter who can control the tempo of a fight. Romero’s win opens the door for a potential bout with Haney, who also picked up a win on the same card.
The welterweight division has been buzzing with anticipation for the potential fights ahead, and Romero’s victory has only added fuel to the fire. The mix of Garcia, Haney, and Romero, along with other potential contenders like Teofimo Lopez, makes for an exciting future for boxing fans.
A New Era in the Welterweight Division
With Romero’s win, the landscape of the welterweight division has dramatically shifted. The upcoming months will see new opportunities for matchups between these top fighters, as well as a potential re-evaluation of Garcia’s standing in the division. The questions surrounding Garcia’s future and the possible clash between Romero and Haney only heighten the excitement for what’s to come.
This was more than just a fight; it was a statement. Romero has now positioned himself as a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division, and we are likely to see him in many more high-profile bouts in the future.
Stay tuned to FIGHT.TV for continued coverage of the welterweight division’s dramatic changes and more exclusive insights into the world of boxing.
