Ryan Garcia returns to the ring to face Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero on May 2 in Times Square, New York City.
The 26-year-old contender has spent a year out suspended after he twice tested positive for banned substance Ostarine during his fight week with Devin Haney. Though the contest went ahead and Garcia won on the night, knocking Haney down three times and taking the decision, the result was overturned.
‘Rolly’ enters the ring with two losses from his last four. Following a KO loss to Gervonta Davis – who has also stopped Garcia – he picked up the WBA Super Lightweight World Title in a controversial win against Ismael Barroso but lost it in his first defence to Isaac Cruz. One build-back win against Manuel Jaimes saw him land this fight.
Asked if he thinks ‘Ryan cleans out Rolly,’ former world champion Shawn Porter said:
“I do. Obviously the common opponent, Ryan fought Tank, I think he’ll be better since fighting Tank, and then the same thing with Rolly. I think Rolly became better from fighting Tank. I think they knew mistakes that they made … They’ll both be better in their fight against one another. Yeah [Ryan has more talent.]”
Garcia and Romero will battle it out for the WBA Regular Welterweight belt to mark each man’s first fight in the division.
It will take place on the same card Haney’s return against Jose Ramirez. Should both he and Garcia win, a rematch will be set up towards the end of the year.
