Three Keys to Victory for Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero

On May 2, Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) vs. Rolly Romero will headline the historic Ring’s Fatal Fury: Times Square card in New York City. The event will be broadcast exclusively on DAZN PPV. This marks Garcia’s first fight since his controversial bout with Devin Haney. Here are three keys to victory for “Kingry” against Romero.

Three Keys to Victory for Ryan Garcia on May 2

Left Hook

Ryan Garcia will return to action on the historic Times Square card, which will be his first fight since it was revealed he had failed a VADA pre-fight and post-fight drug test (Devin Haney fight), with Ostarine found in his urine. Garcia was fined $10,000, forced to forfeit his purse, and handed a ban, which expired in April ahead of his comeback.

Looking at his attributes, Garcia’s standout weapon is his left hook. He doesn’t need to set it up—he can unleash it with devastating speed and accuracy, as seen in multiple fights, including the Haney bout. He showcased the same weapon in his impressive stoppage win over Luke Campbell. It was a brutal left hook that completely drained the Brit. Should Garcia land flush with a left hook on May 2, it will probably be over for his opponent.

Speed

Another of Garcia’s key strengths is his speed-an attribute which could prove crucial against Romero, who is far more methodical and reliant on setting up power shots. His speed will help him land sharp fast combinations, backing Romero up, before unleashing a devastating left hook to the body.

To maximise this advantage, he should focus on staying light on his feet and keep Romero guessing. Constant movement by “Kingry” could help open up countering opportunities, especially for the much-talked-about left hook.

Jab

Romero (16-2, 13 KOs), the more methodical fighter, will be eager to get inside and land his power shots, but Garcia can prevent this by using his jab and controlling distance. This could be vital for him early on as he gets comfortable. If he can keep the jab accurate and consistent, it will help set up combinations and the left hook.

Working off the jab could also frustrate Rolly, who could become defensively lax, opening up more opportunities for “Kingry” to exploit with his speed and power.

Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero Full Fight Card

• Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero, 12 rounds, for vacant WBA “regular” welterweight title
• Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez, 12 rounds, welterweights
• Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza, 12 rounds, for Lopez’s lineal/WBO super lightweight title
• Reito Tsutsumi vs. Levale Whittington, 6 rounds, super featherweights

Stay with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero, including results and video highlights, and post-fight analysis.