Times Square in New York City hosted its first major boxing event on Friday night, bringing the sport’s excitement directly to one of the world’s most iconic locations. The event featured a star-studded fight card headlined by Ryan Garcia facing off against former junior welterweight champion Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero. This was part of a special evening organized by The Ring magazine, showcasing some of the brightest young American boxing stars.

In addition to the main event, the card included Devin Haney’s return to the ring after a lengthy hiatus, battling against former titleholder Jose Ramirez. The card also featured a title defense by Teofimo Lopez Jr., who successfully retained his WBO junior welterweight title against Arnold Barboza Jr.

The fight between Garcia and Romero was highly anticipated, with fans eager to see how Garcia would perform after a tumultuous period involving mental health struggles and substance issues. Previously, Garcia had a notable victory against Haney in April 2024, a match that was later overturned due to a failed drug test. Now, both fighters aimed to set the stage for potential future rematches.

CBS Sports provided live coverage throughout the evening, starting at 6 p.m. ET on pay-per-view. The results kept fans on the edge of their seats, with detailed scorecards and round-by-round analysis.

In the co-main event, Haney demonstrated resilience, winning a unanimous decision over Ramirez with a score of 116-112 from two judges and 118-110 from the third. The fight was characterized by Haney’s strategic movement and cautious approach, which he maintained throughout the twelve rounds.

Meanwhile, Teofimo Lopez Jr. displayed commanding skills against Arnold Barboza Jr., ultimately winning by unanimous decision with scores of 116-112, 116-112, and 118-110, reaffirming his status as a top contender in the division.

The event, held at Times Square, showcased the enduring appeal of boxing in a vibrant city setting, attracting fans from across the country and beyond. The night’s highlights included strategic mastery, resilient performances, and the promise of future matchups in the sport’s exciting landscape.

As the sport continues to evolve, events like these reinforce boxing’s position as a premier combat sport, where talent, perseverance, and spectacle come together to create memorable moments. Fans and analysts alike are already looking forward to what’s next in this exhilarating sport.