Boxing’s brightest stars are set to light up Times Square on May 2, turning the heart of New York City into the sport’s biggest global stage. In a lineup stacked with high-stakes action, elite names like Ryan Garcia, Rolando “Rolly” Romero, Devin Haney, José Ramírez, Teofimo Lopez, and Arnold Barboza Jr. are all set to clash in what could be a career-defining night. From a vacant WBA regular welterweight title to a WBO junior welterweight title defense, the energy will be electric under the iconic glow of Times Square.
Ryan Garcia returns to the spotlight after a one-year suspension, stepping into a must-win matchup against the unpredictable Rolando “Rolly” Romero. Once seen as the sport’s golden child, Garcia enters the ring with redemption and reputation on the line. The WBA regular welterweight title is up for grabs, and Garcia’s trademark speed and timing will be tested against Romero’s awkward angles and KO power. This isn’t just a comeback—it’s a fork in the road that will either revive or derail Garcia’s career trajectory.
Rolly Romero, with his trademark swagger and chaotic fight style, knows what’s at stake. The Las Vegas native is hungry to seize this moment and walk out as champion. A win over Garcia wouldn’t just earn him a belt—it would instantly boost his profile and insert him into the mix for future mega-fights. With Garcia’s time away from the sport a factor, Romero plans to apply pressure early and swing momentum his way.
In the co-main event, Devin Haney is making his welterweight debut, and the test couldn’t be tougher: former unified junior welterweight champ José Ramírez. After his controversial no-contest against Garcia last April, Haney is ready to silence doubters and prove he belongs among the best at 147. Known for his tactical precision, elite footwork, and defensive prowess, Haney will need every bit of his skill set to handle Ramírez’s forward-charging pressure.
Ramírez, a former unified champ with a deep résumé, brings grit, experience, and relentless aggression. This fight is his chance to crash the welterweight party and reassert himself on the world stage. With high-volume punching and a chin built for war, he’s not just coming to compete—he’s coming to conquer.
WBO junior welterweight king Teofimo Lopez returns to action in a marquee title defense against the undefeated Arnold Barboza Jr. Lopez, known for his highlight-reel knockouts and explosive style, is looking to extend his reign atop the division. Wins over big names like Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor have solidified his reputation, but Barboza brings a different kind of challenge—methodical, defensive, and undefeated.
Barboza has earned his shot with consistent performances and a smart, composed style. With the biggest opportunity of his career in front of him, he’s aiming to frustrate Lopez and avoid the mistakes that others couldn’t. If he can keep the fight at his pace and avoid the champion’s power, Barboza could leave Times Square with his ‘0’ intact—and a world title in hand.
What makes this night even more special is the setting. Times Square, known for its lights, buzz, and global pull, is playing host to a spectacle unlike anything boxing has seen. The open-air event in the world’s most iconic intersection blends sport and entertainment like never before, bringing in new fans and elevating the stakes for every fighter.
And there’s more on the horizon. If Ryan Garcia comes out victorious, Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya has teased blockbuster fights that could follow. Names like Teofimo Lopez and Jaron “Boots” Ennis are already being floated—each offering Garcia a shot at further cementing his comeback and chasing greatness across divisions. A matchup with Lopez would be fireworks, while a clash with Ennis would be the ultimate test of grit and skill.
Saudi Arabia is also eyeing major pieces of this puzzle. Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, is actively working to arrange a showdown between Lopez and Ennis—possibly on the undercard of a Garcia-Haney rematch this October. If both Garcia and Lopez notch wins in May, a global tour of mega-events could kick off, with a potential Lopez-Garcia collision course set for February 2026. Ennis, meanwhile, fights April 12 and could be ready for a marquee opponent by fall.
The Times Square card marks a shift in boxing’s identity—from a regional attraction to a global event series. The fighters aren’t just chasing belts—they’re becoming international stars shaped by media, politics, and high-stakes business deals. Venues like Times Square and promoters from the Middle East signal a new era where spectacle and sport go hand in hand.
May 2 could end up being a transformative moment for boxing. With redemption arcs, division shakeups, and superstar potential all woven into one night, every round matters. Garcia’s path to salvation, Haney’s new chapter, Lopez’s title defense, and Barboza’s chance to shine—each storyline adds fuel to a night that promises to echo far beyond the final bell. The bright lights of Times Square are about to frame one of the most important fight nights in recent memory.
