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Real prizefighting is returning to Times Square, New York, on Friday, featuring a significant tripleheader with substantial implications for the future of boxing.
Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Teofimo Lopez are set to take the stage in separate bouts, with this event paving the way for an anticipated rematch and a major showdown that embodies the last-man-standing concept.
Anticipation has been building for this outdoor Times Square event, and for good reason. With Garcia making his comeback, Haney’s transition to the welterweight division, and Lopez defending his title, this evening promises to be more than just a series of fights.
It serves as the groundwork for crucial matchups that may influence the welterweight and junior welterweight scenes for the next two years.
Here’s a rundown of the full televised card scheduled for DAZN on May 2, starting at 6 PM ET:
- Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando “Rolly” Romero – welterweight
- Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez – welterweight
- (c) Teofimo Lopez Jr. vs. Arnold Barboza Jr., WBO junior welterweight
- Levale Whittington vs. Reito Tsutsumi – featherweights
Garcia’s return to the ring after a one-year suspension adds an extra layer of intrigue. In discussions, he remained focused on Romero but hinted at a potential rematch with Haney in the future.
He expressed that he anticipates a sharper Haney in a potential future meeting, underscoring the inevitability of their paths crossing again if they both perform well on Friday.
For Haney, this fight represents an opportunity to solidify his position as a formidable contender at 147 pounds.
Facing a seasoned opponent in Ramirez, Haney enters the ring without the weight-cutting burdens that have previously plagued him, which could enhance his performance.
With discussions surrounding Haney’s size and capabilities, Ramirez might be challenged by a younger opponent eager to make a significant impact upon entering the new division.
While Garcia and Haney’s fights lead the lineup, Lopez’s matchup against Barboza is the night’s sole championship bout, with Lopez’s WBO junior welterweight title at stake. This could also mark his last appearance at 140 pounds, regardless of the outcome.
Barboza has quietly developed a formidable record, and given Lopez’s erratic performances recently, Barboza presents a genuine threat to derail Lopez’s ambitions at both 140 and possibly 147 pounds.
Among the three main fighters, which opponent is the most underrated? Romero is known for his aggressive fighting style but may have defensive shortcomings that Garcia is poised to exploit, assuming he returns to top form.
Ramirez, while highly professional, seems to be past his peak. Haney should thrive at 147 without the strain of a drastic weight cut, potentially leading to a seamless fight for him.
Barboza arguably poses the most significant risk of an upset. Lopez has shown vulnerability against fighters many expected him to dominate, and Barboza boasts tenacity and motivation.
As fight night approaches, the stakes become ever clearer. Expect continuous coverage throughout fight week as these exciting matchups unfold.
Source
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