Cnn
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Ryan Garcia underwent a loss to the shock in the hands of Rolando “Rolly” Romero Friday evening in Times Square, losing points during his first fight since his return from a doping ban by one year.
The double left hook of Romero in the second round dropped Garcia, and while the 26-year-old was recovering directly, he had trouble finding the pace and his opponent received a unanimous decision with scores of 115-112, 115-112 and 118-109.
“I just found myself very absent after setting up the year. All year round, it was a lot for me mentally,” said Garcia afterwards.
“Just a lot of things that I must understand mentally, then I will come back to it and you will see this assault coming out. I did not have that tonight,” he added.
The fight was part of the first boxing card never held in Times Square, with Garcia arriving in a Batmobile and Ring Girls replaced by imitators from Michael Jackson and Hulk Hogan.
The event, organized by Ring magazine supported by Saudi, was looked at in person by around 300 guests, including Mike Tyson and Roberto Durán, according to the BBC. Meanwhile, outside the fortune arena, fans gathered to watch the fights on large screens erected in Times Square.
Romero remained in control of the Welters weight fight after his second round hook, but it was a fight that lacked quality moments. The 490 punches launched represent the third less than a fight at 12 laps since Compubox began to punct in 1985.
Garcia looked rusty during his first outing since he was tested positive for performance improving drugs the next day and the day of his victory on Devin Haney in April 2024. The victory was then overthrown in a non-counter while Garcia was suspended for a year by the New York Sports Commission.
At the time, Garcia denied allegations, adage: “I have never taken a steroid. … I don't even know where to get steroids at the end of the day … I barely take supplements.”
His defeat against Romero on Friday, which leaves him on a record of 24-2 and a non-counter, potentially destroyed the plans for a revenge match offered with Haney. Having won the greatest victory in his career, it can be Romero – now 17-2 – which takes its place.
Haney had confirmed his end of negotiations earlier Friday, beating José Ramírez by unanimous decision.
