With the mesmerizing thriller that Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn produced two days ago, boxing fans’ expectations must have soared to a new high. And why shouldn’t they? Lined up next is another offering from Riyadh Season. On May 2, at New York’s iconic Times Square, the Saudi promotion will present the next edition of its ‘Fatal Fury’ series. Featuring some of the best talent in the welterweight division, the American shores will showcase a dazzling array of fights. However, most eyes will be locked onto one fight in particular: Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero.

For one, the event marks the much-anticipated return of Garcia, who had been under suspension and faced financial penalties following his failure to clear drug tests for the Devin Haney fight. Fans are eager to see whether the fighter, who enjoys a massive following, can leave his past behind and get his career back on track. The stakes are significant. Reigniting one of boxing’s biggest rivalries, a victory could clear his path to a rematch with Haney. But Romero is no pushover. He will do everything in his power to derail Garcia’s comeback. So ahead of their clash, let’s dive into how the two former sparring partners measure up.

Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero: stats and record

When it comes to experience and record, Garcia and Romero stand on somewhat similar footing. After their amateur careers, both turned professional in 2016, within six months of each other. Garcia debuted on June 6, and Romero followed on December 2. But from there, their trajectories slightly diverged. A year after his debut, Ryan Garcia secured his first title: the regional NABF Junior (vacant) super featherweight belt. In 2018, he added the vacant NABF and NABO super featherweight titles. After moving up a weight class, he clinched the NABO and WBC Silver (Vacant) lightweight championships on November 2, 2019.

His biggest milestone came on January 2, 2021, when he defeated Luke Campbell to become the WBC’s interim 135-pound titleholder. Two years later, in the biggest fight of his career, Garcia suffered his first defeat against Gervonta Davis. Subsequently, moving up a division, he knocked out Oscar Duarte. Four months later, the controversial fight against Devin Haney followed. Initially recorded as a win, it was later changed to a ‘no contest’ due to Garcia’s failed drug tests.

In his nine-year professional journey, Garcia has fought 26 bouts. With 24 wins, he boasts an impressive 83% knockout rate. Despite the controversies, he remains one of boxing’s premier finishers.

Rolando Romero isn’t far behind. The Las Vegas-born fighter carved his own success story. It took him four years to match Garcia’s milestone, when he defeated Jackson Martinez on August 15, 2020, to become WBA interim lightweight champion. Like Garcia, Romero also tasted defeat at the hands of Gervonta Davis.

However, Romero quickly rebounded. Moving up a division, he controversially defeated Ismael Barroso on May 13, 2023, capturing the WBA super lightweight title. A feat Garcia has yet to achieve. Unfortunately, Romero’s reign was short-lived. He suffered a devastating loss to Isaac Cruz on March 30, 2024, during the inaugural PBC-Amazon Prime Card. Although he bounced back by defeating Manuel Jaimes on the Canelo-Berlanga undercard, doubts about his form lingered.

With 13 of his 16 victories secured via knockout, Romero records an 81% knockout-to-win rate, making him a dangerous opponent for anyone.

Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero: Height, Weight, and Reach Comparison

This might be an area where Ryan Garcia enjoys a slight edge. Both fighters are similar in height. Garcia stands 5 feet 8.5 inches, or 174 centimeters, while Romero is just half an inch shorter at 5 feet 8 inches, or 173 centimeters. Likewise, Garcia holds an advantage in reach, measuring 70 inches, or 178 centimeters, compared to Romero’s 68.1 inches, or 173 centimeters.

The upcoming fight is scheduled in the welterweight division. It’s a first for both fighters. It will be intriguing to see how they fare during the final weigh-ins. For context, during their most recent bouts, Romero weighed in at 141.5 pounds, while Garcia tipped the scales at 143.2 pounds.

Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero Final Prediction

Unlike previous opponents like Gervonta Davis or Devin Haney, who are known for technical mastery, Garcia and Romero are fighters who prefer power over precision. Their May 2 showdown promises a thrilling, high-octane battle rather than a tactical chess match. Still, predictions must be made. And oddsmakers have spoken. Garcia is a heavy favorite with odds of -1000, while Romero is a +600 underdog.

Both fighters come into this bout with significant baggage. Garcia must overcome the shadow of his recent drug controversy and regain the public’s trust. Romero, on the other hand, needs to erase memories of the one-sided beating he received from Isaac Cruz.

Then activity levels could play a crucial role. Albeit with mixed success, Romero fought twice last year. Garcia, on the other hand, has largely been inactive for close to 12 months. So ring rust could be a genuine concern for Garcia.

Tactically, Romero, whose defensive vulnerabilities were laid bare by both Tank Davis and Isaac Cruz, must be cautious of Garcia’s lethal left hook. Conversely, Garcia, who at times has been careless with defense, must be wary of Romero’s raw punching power, which can end a fight in an instant.

Make no mistake: May 2 is a career-defining night for both fighters. A victory will rejuvenate a career and keep bigger fights in sight. A loss could push either man back into boxing’s tough, unforgiving shadows.

Fans can expect a real slugfest. A no-holds-barred war where pride, reputation, and future opportunities hang in the balance.

What’s your take? Between Garcia and Romero, who do you think will emerge victorious on Friday night?