These are unprecedented times in the sport of boxing and tonight in New York City (Friday May 2) things reach another level with a top show in the iconic Times Square featuring modern-day greats Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney.
Last April at Barclays Center in Brooklyn these two superstars fought perhaps the most controversial bout of 2024, with Ryan winning on the night after a wild build-up when many experts feared for his mental wellbeing.
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The aftermath of the fight was just as wild, eventually resulting in the bout being declared a no contest when Ryan subsequently failed a drugs test.
Now, clearly, the plan is for a rematch of the fight ‘which never happened’, and the Times Square show on Friday night sees them in separate bouts. We are at the semi-final stage, fight fans. This show also features another top star in the shape of Teofimo Lopez – it’s an absolute beauty of a card.
When does the Times Square show start?
The show starts around 5.30pm Eastern Time (2.30pm Pacific on the West Coast) tonight (Friday May 2), with ring walks for the main event expected to start around 9pm Eastern (6pm Pacific).
If you are watching in the UK, the show starts at 10.30pm UK with main event ring walks around 2am on Saturday May 3.
How to watch the fights live
DAZN PPV has the rights to stream this one and of course it is a PPV promotion.
Pricing in the US for the big show is $59.99, but you can double up by bundling it with Saturday night’s Canelo vs William Scull show from Riyadh, and pay $90 for the pair. A little discount for you.
If you are watching in the UK, you can buy the Times Square show for £21.99 or bundle it with Canelo vs Scull for £34.99.
Who is fighting tonight?
Of course Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney are the big names and they top the bill:
Ryan Garcia (24-1) vs. Rolly Romero (16-2)
Garcia was well over the weight for that meeting with Haney last year, so no surprise that he moves up to welter for this one – a cracking matchup with the ever entertaining ‘Rolly’.
Devin Haney (31-0) vs. Jose Ramirez (29-2)
Haney remains unbeaten after that Garcia defeat was wiped from his record. Now he gets the chance for ‘revenge’ as it were. Should be another fascinating matchup.
Teofimo Lopez (21-1) vs. Arnold Barboza (32-0)
‘The Takeover’ has resurrected his career following that shock loss to George Kambosos Jr back in 2021, winning five straight – including a big win over Scotland’s Josh Taylor. Here he puts his WBO world super lightweight title on the line.
What are the odds?
The odds for the big fights in Times Square look like this:
- 4/9 Teofimo Lopez, 23/10 Arnold Barboza, 20/1 Draw
- 1/9 Devin Haney, 7/1 Jose Ramirez, 28/1 Draw
- 1/8 Ryan Garcia, 17/2 Rolly Romero, 28/1 Draw
