All Ryan Garcia had to do was win. The fight wasn’t even against an unfamiliar opponent. Years ago, he and Rolando Romero had shared sparring rounds. However, at the makeshift arena in Times Square, Garcia was left humbled. After sending him to the canvas with a clean left hook in the second round, Romero secured a convincing, unanimous decision victory. Garcia had no choice but to accept the loss with grace.

Still, like many fans, he must know just how costly this defeat was. A win over Romero would have all but guaranteed the much-anticipated rematch with Devin Haney. Their heated showdown last year ended in controversy and, eventually, a one-year suspension for Garcia. That made the rematch narrative stronger than ever. But now, with Garcia’s second career loss, that storyline may be on pause. Especially after Haney’s win over Jose Ramirez on the same card, many are even speculating about a Romero vs. Haney bout instead. So, what paths are still open for Team Garcia if they hope to reignite the Haney rivalry?

One more time? The case for Garcia vs. Romero rematch

The most obvious move is also the most straightforward. Garcia should push for a rematch with Romero. Win convincingly, and then make a renewed case for Haney. In the post-fight press conference, Garcia said, “You know, whatever the fans want. If they want me to, you know, run it back with Rollies, let’s do it. If they want me to go straight for Devin, let’s do it. You know, styles make fights. And, yeah, I’m willing to fight any of them again.”

But is it really that simple? For starters, Romero isn’t contractually bound to grant a rematch. And with the win in hand, he may see no incentive to run it back. They sparred once, and now, in their first official meeting, Romero came out on top.

Still, there could be an interesting twist. Despite being far from a classic, the bout generated strong fan interest, with many already calling for a sequel. But then again, Garcia isn’t calling the shots. Often overlooked in this storyline is that Haney already holds a convincing win.

So if Romero declines a rematch and Haney is ready to return, Romero vs. Haney could easily happen first. A matchup already stirring buzz.

Yet another angle to consider is…

Both Romero and Haney are seeking career resets. Romero’s comeback after last year’s crushing loss to Isaac Cruz has been shaky. His win over Manuel Jaimes on the Canelo-Berlanga card was solid, but not enough to erase doubts. Haney, too, is in reputation-repair mode. Though his bout with Garcia was overturned to a no-contest, the damage to his credibility lingered. The former undisputed champion, turning 27 this year, badly needs a title push. And a win over Romero could fast-track that path.

Then there’s the wildcard. What if Romero chooses to skip both Garcia and Haney? He now holds the WBA (Regular) title. Just one step from full championship status. So why risk it against non-titleholders like Garcia and Haney when names like Jaron Ennis, Mario Barrios, or Brian Norman Jr. wait?

Ironically, that could open the door for Garcia vs. Haney, after all. If neither has a clear matchup and the rivalry still holds fan appeal, the rematch could materialize. After all, the unfinished business dates back to their amateur days, and many would still pay to see it settled.

Right now, the future hinges on a few key decisions and fan demand. The matchups with the most heat will likely lead the way. But as always, the fans remain the final judges.

What’s your take? Does Garcia vs. Haney still have the fire to draw fans in again?