Romero Ruins Garcia’s Comeback

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated May 3, 2025 5:46 AM ET

Rolando Romero upset Ryan Garcia with a unanimous decision win to raise questions over Ryan’s return from his year ban: 115-112, 115-112 and 118-109.

Garcia had his first fight since failing VADA tests for Ostarine, as the spotlight is now on Ryan’s ability. Garcia found success with his jab to prevent Romero from closing the gap in the first. Rolly tried to make Garcia throw first to set up a chance to counter. He got his wish in the second, as he countered Garcia’s left hook with his own to drop Ryan. While Garcia got up without looking hurt, he felt discouraged from letting his hands go.

Romero Drops Garcia

Garcia landed a left hook in the third, which Rolly took well. However, he never came forward as Romero stayed in the fight by picking Ryan off to steal the rounds. Garcia needed to up his intensity heading into the second half of the fight. The CompuBox numbers showed that Garcia only landed 54 punches from 168 thrown. Meanwhile, Romero connected with 63 from 216 thrown.

Garcia tried to switch the momentum in the ninth when he landed a right, as he had Rolly on the ropes. However, Rolly hit back with a left hook in the tenth with his trademark left hook. Derrick James urged Ryan to throw more heading into the last two rounds. However, Rolly controlled those rounds to secure his biggest win. The result disrupts Ryan’s plans for the Haney rematch, while Romero, at the very least, gets a lucrative rematch with Ryan.