The Garcia vs Romero clash on this weekend’s unique Times Square event in New York City is not the headlining bout.
Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez have been assured that this is the case, despite the initial poster featuring Ryan Garcia and Rolando Romero prominently featured.
According to the latest information sent to Worldboxingnews.com regarding the event, organizers emphasized that there is no standout main event.
“Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez and their respective opponents stepped into the ring for a media workout before they co-headline the Ring Magazine’s historic first-ever boxing event in the United States,” read the updated wording.
Since the announcement of the tripleheader, Haney and Lopez have faced ridicule from detractors, who berate them for being on Garcia’s undercard. It appears that this latest information is a move to quell such insults.
All three main protagonists in Friday’s massive event were present at the recent workout where they discussed their forthcoming opponents.
Garcia [24-1, 20 KOs] makes his long-awaited return from a one-year suspension to take on Rolly Romero [16-2, 13 KOs] for the WBA ‘regular’ welterweight title. That’s despite only a ‘welterweight contest’ being named on the bout sheet.
Meanwhile, Garcia’s nemesis Haney [31-0, 15 KOs] battles Jose Carlos Ramirez [29-2, 18 KOs] at a catchweight of 144 pounds. Haney and Garcia will meet again in a fall rematch if they both win following an April 2024 meeting marred by failed drug tests.
The New York State Athletic Commission scratched Haney’s first career loss as a no-contest following Garcia’s misdemeanor.
Finally, rounding out the three-strong main events is Lopez [21-1, 13 KOs], who puts his WBO super lightweight title on the line against Arnold Barboza Jr. [32-0, 11 KOs], holder of the interim WBO title.
All six spoke ahead of a super weekend for boxing fans beginning on Friday night.
“I retired Luke Campbell, I retired Javier Fortuna, and I’m about to retire Rolly and be done with these dudes. Whenever I get a feeling about retiring someone, I know it. I know once I knock him out, he’s done,” said Garcia.
Romero stated, “This is just another normal day for me. It’s a historic event in Times Square, and I’m happy to be headlining. This is going to be a legendary moment for all of boxing.
“This fight was destined to happen. I called it. I knew it was gonna be at 147 pounds and be one of the biggest fights in boxing history.”
Haney said, “I’m so happy and excited to be back here under the bright lights. I can’t wait for Friday.
“In boxing, you have to prove yourself time in and time out, just like any other sport. LeBron has to prove himself again and again, and so do I.”
Ramirez added, “I’m preparing for the best Devin Haney. That’s the guy I want to beat. I want that challenge. That’s what I got ready for.
“That’s why I pushed myself the way I did in training camp. I feel good, having those extra four pounds has made the weight cut much easier.
“I’m hoping to show a new Jose Ramirez. I work hard and I want it to show.”
Lopez stated, “This is a blessing and a dream come true for all of us. We’re here to take over as always. It’s ‘The Takeover’ and we’re here to show off our skills.
“I’m here to do my part. I’m going to start it up for everyone and turn it up. You saw Eubank and Benn go at it last Saturday. They did their thing so that anything could happen.”
Barboza said, “It’s time to eat. And we’re starving. I’m ready to go.”
DAZN PPV will broadcast this Friday’s triple from Times Square in New York. DAZN Pay-Per-View purchase details are available on World Boxing News, which includes a cut-price PPV bundle offer for the Canelo Alvarez vs. William Scull addition.
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Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, an experienced boxing writer and World Boxing News Editor since 2010.
