Oscar De La Hoya Hypes Up Garcia-Romero Fight
Oscar De La Hoya, the legendary former boxer and current promoter, is making bold claims about the upcoming Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero fight on May 2nd in New York. De La Hoya is confident that this event will surpass everything fans have ever seen in the world of boxing. The fight is set to take place on Cinco de Mayo weekend, and De La Hoya believes it will be "the most special night of boxing in the history of the sport." While the event will feature Ryan Garcia in the main event, the chief support bout will see Devin Haney facing off against Jose Ramirez. Despite the hype, the card has received a lukewarm reception from fans, which has led to some criticism and speculation about potential changes.
Criticism of the Card and Suggestions
Despite De La Hoya’s enthusiasm, the current card has not generated the kind of excitement he and many fans had hoped for. Rolly Romero, Garcia’s opponent, is not considered a top-tier fighter, and his recent performance against Manuel Jaimes was lackluster. Additionally, Jose Ramirez, who will face Devin Haney, has recently suffered a loss to Arnold Barboza Jr., which has further dampened interest in the event. Turki Al-Sheikh, a prominent figure in boxing, has suggested that replacements should be found to make the card more appealing to fans. It’s still early enough to make changes, and finding suitable opponents could significantly enhance the appeal of the event.
Why Isaac Cruz Wasn’t the Opponent
When asked why Ryan Garcia isn’t fighting Isaac Cruz, a more well-known and exciting opponent, De La Hoya explained that Cruz had already committed to another fight. "We presented the deal to Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, and he turned it down. He had a fight already. We’re never counting out Isaac Cruz. He’s an exciting fighter. I love watching him," De La Hoya said. However, he didn’t rule out the possibility of a future match between Garcia and Cruz, especially if Garcia wins his fight against Romero. The promoter is always looking to make exciting fights, and the Garcia-Romero bout is just the beginning of a series of high-profile matches.
The Significance of the Location and Date
The location and date of the event are also significant. New York, a city with a rich boxing history, will host the fight at an outdoor venue, much like the legendary bouts of the past. De La Hoya drew parallels to the great fights of John L. Sullivan and other historical figures, emphasizing that the Garcia-Romero fight will be "monumental," "extraordinary," and "the best event you’ve ever seen for boxing." The choice of Cinco de Mayo weekend adds to the cultural and festive atmosphere, making it a unique and memorable event for both fighters and fans.
Haney’s Motivation and the Payday
Devin Haney, who will face Jose Ramirez in the chief support bout, is another key figure in the event. Haney has been vocal about his desire to face Ryan Garcia, and his consistency in pursuing this match is commendable. De La Hoya praised Haney for his courage and determination, stating, "I do have to respect Haney for consistently wanting the match against Ryan. It takes a lot of guts and a lot of courage." However, it’s no secret that the fight against Ramirez is also a lucrative opportunity for Haney. The payday is a significant factor, and if it weren’t for the financial rewards, Haney might not have agreed to the bout. Despite this, the event promises to be an exciting global affair for both Garcia and the sport of boxing.
Final Thoughts and Future Prospects
In conclusion, while the current card for the Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero fight on May 2nd in New York has received mixed reactions, De La Hoya remains optimistic. The promoter is confident that the event will be historic and that the right changes can still be made to enhance its appeal. The rich history of boxing in New York, combined with the global interest in Ryan Garcia, sets the stage for a memorable night. As the event approaches, fans will be watching closely to see if De La Hoya’s vision becomes a reality, and whether the card can indeed surpass everything they have ever seen in boxing.
