Turki Alalshikh and The Ring Magazine have announced a new fight card coming to New York City this May.
Matchups for the two main events in Ryan Garcia 24-1 (20 KOs) and Devin Haney 31-0 (15 KOs) are seen as none other than tuneups, as fans anticipate an entertaining rematch after Garcia’s dominant unanimous decision victory in April 2024 — later revoked and ruled as a no contest after he tested positive for ostarine.
Garcia will fight former WBA interim lightweight and WBA super lightweight champion Roland “Rolly” Romero 16-2 (13 KOs), while Haney will go up against former unified light welterweight champion Jose Ramirez 29-2 (18 KOs).
For Ryan Garcia, this fight seems like it will be an easy tuneup, to a shorter, less-IQ-like fighter in Rolly.
Rolly undoubtedly possesses damaging power, though throws pressing power shots at times with no apparent concerns for accuracy or ring safety, insisting on pushing forward for the kill — the worst possible scenario for someone fighting Garcia, who will take advantage and look for openings on overthrows.
And while it’s true, nobody knows how Haney will look in the ring after his three knockdown — since revoked — loss, he’s due for a dominant win to ensure he gets a shot at revenge.
His key to success? Keeping his high guard up as he pushes forward, touching and moving, and mentally, not going into the ring again with an “I’m untouchable” mindset.
Ostarine or not, he still got exposed, and there were evident defensive holes that cannot remain present against Ramirez, a fighter who throws a high volume of punches that connect.
Jack Walsh is a New York-based journalist, currently working at a television station as a real time editor, and also an amateur boxer. He hopes to continue diving into the journalistic side of boxing and provide a unique, independent perspective. His work has also appeared in Boxing News Online.