Times Square showdown: What time is Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero boxing match?

Boxing is set to take center stage in the heart of New York City tonight as Times Square hosts a unique tripleheader event on Friday, May 2, 2025. A ring has been specially constructed amidst the famous tourist attraction for the event, officially dubbed "Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves." Fans can tune in via DAZN PPV, with the event available for a price of $24.99. The main card is scheduled to commence at 5:30 p.m. ET, promising an evening of high-stakes fights.

The fight card features three compelling matchups. Headlining the event is a welterweight clash between Ryan Garcia, holding a record of 24 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no contest, and Rolando "Rolly" Romero, with a record of 16 wins and 2 losses. The main event is anticipated to begin around 8 p.m. ET, though the actual start time will depend on the duration of the preceding bouts.

The undercard includes Devin Haney (31-0, 1 NC) facing Jose Ramirez in a catchweight bout at 144 pounds. Kicking off the evening's festivities will be Teofimo Lopez (21-1) defending his WBO junior welterweight title against the undefeated interim champion Arnold Barboza Jr. (32-0) at the 140-pound limit. All six fighters successfully made weight during Thursday's weigh-ins.

Ryan Garcia is back on the ring

Ryan Garcia's bout marks his return to the ring for the first time since his controversial fight against Devin Haney last year. That match, initially a victory for Garcia, was later overturned to a no contest, and Garcia received a one-year suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission after testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug ostarine and also missing the contracted weight for that fight.

Garcia expressed excitement about fighting in New York again, referencing the "historic event last time" and wanting to "do it again." His opponent, Rolly Romero, a former junior welterweight champion with 13 knockout victories, looks to add another significant win to his record after a mixed 2024. The unique Times Square venue itself is generating significant buzz.

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya highlighted the challenge it poses for fighters to remain "laser focused" and "not pay attention to all the noise outside of this ring" amidst the likely thousands of spectators. The event also features the potential for a highly anticipated rematch between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia later this year, should both emerge victorious from their respective fights tonight. Lopez, usually a main event fighter, was reportedly happy to be the first bout, stating he'll "get in and out." The event promises a thrilling night of boxing in a truly iconic setting.