Ryan Garcia Announces New York Return
Ryan Garcia, the rising star in the boxing world, has announced his next fight on May 2nd in New York City, an event organized by promoter Turki Alalshikh. Garcia, known for his charismatic personality and knockout prowess, is currently riding high after his victory over Devin Haney last April at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. His message to fans, “Run it back in New York,” has left many puzzled. Is he hinting at a rematch with Haney, or is he referring to his upcoming bout with Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero?
Confusion and Fan Speculation
The phrase "run it back" typically implies a rematch with a previous opponent. However, Garcia is scheduled to face former WBA light welterweight champion Rolly Romero (16-2, 13 KOs) on May 2nd. This has led to a flurry of speculation among boxing fans, who are eagerly awaiting confirmation. Many fans would prefer to see Garcia and Haney face off again in May rather than the scheduled October date. The uncertainty surrounding Garcia’s announcement adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for the event.
Risky Undercard Bouts
Devin Haney, who is expected to be on the undercard, will be taking on former WBC and WBO light welterweight champion Jose Ramirez. This is a risky move, given Haney’s questionable punch resistance. Ramirez is a seasoned fighter with a strong track record, and a defeat could significantly impact Haney’s career and reputation. While a win would solidify his position, the stakes are high, and the prospect of facing Garcia again could be clouded by the outcome of this bout.
Kingry’s Return and Caution
Another notable boxer, George Kingry, will be eligible to fight in New York on April 20 after serving a one-year suspension for testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing drug (PED). Kingry will need to be extremely cautious moving forward, monitoring closely what supplements he takes and who is providing them. Another suspension could set back his career for another year, making it challenging for him to regain his previous standing in the boxing world. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of compliance and integrity in the sport.
Preparation for the Haney Rematch
The May 2nd fight against Rolly Romero is seen as a crucial preparation for Garcia’s highly anticipated rematch with Devin Haney in October. Romero, who has had success sparring with Garcia in the past, presents a formidable challenge. If Romero can overpower Garcia and secure a quick knockout, it could cast doubt on Garcia’s readiness for the Haney rematch. Conversely, a strong performance by Garcia would build momentum and confidence heading into the October bout. Garcia’s victory over Haney last year was a 12-round majority decision, with Garcia dropping Haney three times but struggling with fatigue in the later rounds.
Garcia’s Message and Fan Reaction
In a brief but impactful message to Ring Magazine, Garcia stated, “What’s up, everybody. It’s me, Ryan Garcia. I’m heading to New York on May 2nd. I’m going to be there with my friend, Turki Alalshikh. I’m going to run it back in New York. Let’s get it.” This announcement has fans buzzing with excitement and curiosity. While some interpret it as a potential rematch with Haney, others are focused on Garcia’s upcoming fight with Romero. Regardless of the specifics, Garcia’s return to New York is sure to draw a significant crowd and generate considerable buzz in the boxing community.
