Ryan Garcia is back and focused on redemption as he prepares for his return to the ring on May 2 in Times Square, New York. The 26-year-old will face former WBA junior welterweight titleholder Rolando “Rolly” Romero for the WBA’s secondary welterweight belt in a high-profile bout that symbolizes a new chapter in Garcia’s tumultuous career.
Garcia was the talk of the boxing world last April after his dramatic performance against Devin Haney. Despite knocking Haney down three times, the result was overturned to a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for the banned substance ostarine. The controversy led to a one-year suspension by the New York State Athletic Commission and cast a shadow over what should have been a career-defining win.
Now, Garcia is determined to reclaim his narrative. Speaking at Thursday’s media workout, Garcia appeared calm and collected, a stark contrast to the erratic behavior leading up to the Haney fight, which included bizarre social media posts and admitted alcohol use during camp.
“I felt like playing mind games with them,” Garcia said of the Haney build-up. “I talked a lot of crazy things, thinking, ‘I’ll out-crazy the crazy.’ Took it a little too far, but I did win.”
After the suspension and a separate arrest for vandalism, Garcia took time to reset. “Taking a break from everything helped,” he said. “I stepped away from social media, hung out with my family, and got back to reality.”
The change has been evident. Gone are the conspiracy-fueled rants and chaotic energy. In their place stands a fighter with renewed focus and discipline.
Trainer Derrick James has seen the difference. “He’s picked up where he left off,” James said. “Power, speed, athleticism – it’s all there. Rolly is dangerous, but Ryan is ready.”
Conditioning coach Justin Fortune, who has worked with legends like Manny Pacquiao and Mike Tyson, echoed the sentiment. “Ryan has trained hard, maybe even to the point of overtraining. He’s on weight and looking sharp.”
The fight itself is unique, taking place in a custom 19-foot ring in Times Square as part of an event reportedly costing over $10 million, funded by Saudi boxing backer Turki Alalshikh. Less than 300 VIPs will attend ringside, while thousands more are expected to gather outside to watch the spectacle.
For Garcia, this event is more than just another bout. It’s a chance to reclaim his credibility and establish himself as the future face of boxing’s Cinco de Mayo weekend, potentially stepping into the role long held by Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
“I’ve got a lot to prove,” Garcia admitted. “That fight with Haney was supposed to be the victory of my life. It still haunts me. But this is an opportunity to reset.”
Garcia’s sights remain firmly on a Haney rematch later this year, but he’s not overlooking Romero. “Rolly will come in throwing bombs. That opens him up. It’s my job to time the right shot.”
The matchup is intriguing stylistically. Romero is a power puncher known for his aggressive approach, but he’s also shown vulnerability in past fights. Garcia believes his technique and ring IQ will be the difference.
“They’re going to be impressed with my technique and timing,” he said. “I can see him getting desperate – and crack.”
Oscar De La Hoya, Garcia’s promoter, is convinced the public will see the best version of the fighter. “Ryan Garcia at peace and focused is a dangerous Ryan Garcia,” De La Hoya said. “I can see it in his eyes. He’s in a great place.”
Despite his success and increased wealth, Garcia says he remains grounded. “I bought some £30 Under Armour running shoes the other day,” he joked. “I’m still a tight fucker.”
With just weeks to go, Garcia is laser-focused. The chaos has subsided, the distractions have faded, and the fighter who once took the boxing world by storm is ready to do it again – this time, on his own terms.
“Consistency is key,” he said. “I want to be the boxer I know I can be. This is just the beginning.”
Photo: Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images
