Richardson Hitchins’ Picks for the May 2nd Card in Times Square
Richardson Hitchins, a seasoned boxing analyst, is making his predictions for the highly anticipated May 2nd card at Times Square in New York City. He believes that Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney, two of the most prominent fighters on the card, will both win their respective fights. However, he notes that Haney’s bout against former WBC and WBO 140-lb champion Jose Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs) is the one that concerns him the most. Ramirez, known for his punching power and impressive amateur pedigree, has the potential to give Haney a tough night.
The Ramifications of Haney’s Loss to Ryan Garcia
Haney’s recent performance has raised questions about his resilience. In his last fight on April 20th against Ryan Garcia, Haney was dropped three times and was arguably saved by the referee in the seventh round. This loss has left a mark on his chin, and Hitchins believes that if Haney’s ability to withstand punches has been compromised, Ramirez will exploit this weakness. Ramirez’s powerful and high-pressure fighting style could be the perfect storm to test Haney’s fortitude.
Garcia’s Path to Victory Over Romero
On the other side of the card, Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) faces Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero (16-2, 12 KOs). Hitchins is confident in Garcia’s ability to dominate this fight. He points out that Romero, a former WBA light welterweight champion, has struggled with his chin since being knocked out by Gervonta Davis in the sixth round in 2022. Garcia’s superior size and power make him a formidable opponent for Romero, who may not have the endurance or the defense to withstand Garcia’s relentless attacks.
The Controversial Career of Rolando Romero
Romero’s career has been marred by controversies and questionable victories. Mayweather Promotions, known for strategically selecting opponents, has often matched Romero against weaker competition. His win over Jackson Martinez in 2020 was widely contested, and his recent knockout victory over 40-year-old Ismael Barroso in 2023 was suspect. The referee, Tony Weeks, stopped the fight in the ninth round after Romero threw a combination that appeared to miss entirely. The entire sequence seemed staged, drawing criticism and skepticism.
The Business Behind the Fights
Hitchins believes that both Garcia and Haney are now primarily motivated by financial gains rather than the pursuit of titles or improving their skills. He describes them as "businessmen now," taking on fights that make the most sense from a financial standpoint. For Haney, this means facing Jose Ramirez, a choice that Bill Haney, Devin’s father, likely saw as a winnable match given Ramirez’s perceived decline from his peak years between 2018 and 2021. Despite Ramirez’s slowing speed, his power and high-pressure style remain significant threats to Haney.
The Future of Garcia and Haney
Looking ahead, Hitchins is hopeful for a potential second bout between Garcia and Haney, provided they both win their upcoming fights. He expects both fighters to maintain their current styles and does not foresee significant stylistic changes. Garcia is likely to continue as a formidable power puncher, while Haney will likely remain a strategic, high-IQ boxer. The long layoff leading into the May 2nd card is not expected to drastically alter their performances, but the intensity and pressure of their respective fights will certainly put their skills to the test.
