In May, boxing fans can look forward to an electrifying triple-header event featuring Ryan Garcia taking on Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, Devin Haney facing off against Jose Ramirez, and Martin Bakole going head-to-head with Efe Ajagba. This explosive card, organized by Turki Al-Sheikh, sends ripples of excitement and speculation through the boxing community. The announcement, made via Turki’s platform X, has garnered mixed reactions and left fans questioning the strategic matchmaking behind these bouts.
Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) selecting Romero (16-2, 13 KOs) as his opponent has raised eyebrows, particularly given the prospect of a more challenging fighter like Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz. After a year-long suspension and a much-anticipated return to the ring, Garcia appears to be playing it safe. Rolly, with a mediocre record and two losses in his last four outings, presents a less daunting matchup. Instead of setting the stage for a riveting comeback, it seems Garcia has opted for a more calculated fight, prompting concerns about his competitive edge heading into future bouts.
Potential Pitfalls for Haney
The stakes are similarly high for Devin Haney (undisclosed record) as he faces an equally formidable opponent in Jose Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs). While Ramirez is undeniably a talented fighter, Haney’s camp may have miscalculated in selecting a more skilled adversary, especially with an upcoming rematch between him and Garcia on the horizon. If Haney loses, it could impact the highly anticipated October fight in Riyadh. Therefore, a potentially less challenging opponent might have made greater strategic sense to protect both fighters’ momentum.
Critics are quick to label Romero as a “comedy relief” on this star-studded card. His penchant for trash talk and flamboyant antics, rather than genuine boxing prowess, positions him as a polarizing figure in the sport. His previous losses to elite fighters highlight significant gaps in his skill set, leading many to argue that this matchup with Garcia is nothing short of a mismatch. Social media has echoed discontent regarding Garcia’s choice of opponent, with many fans deeming it a missed opportunity for a more riveting spectacle.
As the industry evolves, innovative partnerships like the collaboration between The Ring Magazine and SNK Games for a boxing card named after the video game Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves in May 2025 speak to the ongoing fusion of entertainment and sports. This initiative aims to elevate boxing to new heights—merging the worlds of gaming and athletics. While purists may lament the direction boxing is taking, this cross-industry effort could attract a new generation of fans.
The upcoming triple-header in May showcases not only the talents of rising stars like Garcia and Haney but also invites speculation about fight matchmaking in modern boxing. Will Rolly Romero deliver laughable antics in the ring, or will Garcia’s decision to fight him prove to be a strategic triumph? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the world awaits this feverish clash of titans.