Garcia Wants Romero On Cinco De Mayo Weekend
Ryan Garcia is looking to fight Rolando Romero on Cinco de Mayo weekend.
Garcia switched his focus to Romero after having pulled out of talks with Devin Haney. The decision was based on business, with Garcia having the chance to build up the Haney fight. A win over Romero gives Garcia his first world title since the WBA junior welterweight belt is on the line. It also allows Garcia to get a big payday and secure a massive unification fight against Haney.
As of now, Garcia’s comments have suggested that there are still obstacles over who is the A-side. He mocked Haney’s PPV buys for his fight with Regis Prograis, claiming it only sold 35,000. That starkly contrasts Garcia’s only PPV fight, which sold over 1.2 million buys, with a gate of over $20 million, making it the highest-grossing fight of 2023, when he faced Gervonta Davis.
Garcia Vs. Haney
“Devin lost his shot; he thought it was Haney vs. Garcia; he should’ve known it was Garcia vs. Haney. He did 35,000 PPV buys [against Regis Prograis]. He’s going to take that and go fight Richardson Hitchins. Devin Haney vs. Richardson Hitchins. I’m helping him out for his next move. Rolly Polly, he just rolls into things. I destroy that man. [And] I see his eyes closed. I believe this fight is in May, May 5th,” Garcia said
A fight on Cinco de Mayo would have big implications for Canelo Alvarez. He has been urged to fight his WBC mandatory David Benavidez on that date or Mexican Independence Day. If Garcia were to fight in May, a Canelo-Benavidez bout would be more likely for the summer.
It will also allow Garcia to appeal to his Mexican fanbase, thus increasing the number of PPV buys he can generate. If he secures another huge PPV, Garcia is unlikely to fight unless it is a massive purse. In addition, Romero’s social media post suggests this is the case. In the following image, Romero posted a made-up poster of him and Garcia with the following comments: ‘#Spring2024’
Haney’s Future
That move leaves Haney with serious question marks over his future. He has been linked with moving up to 147 if a world title shot becomes available. Terence Crawford is expected to move up from 147, leaving the belts vacant. At the same time, Haney has the chance to get a big unification fight against Teofimo Lopez or Subriel Matias.
A fight with Lopez has been discussed since they were at 135 pounds. Meanwhile, Bill Haney alleged Matias priced himself out of a fight with Devin after demanding $4 million. But in the meantime, he could face Richard Hitchins or Sandor Martin in defending his title. That will give Haney ample time to plan his future, after which the Garcia fight becomes available if he beats Rolly. But for now, a Haney-Garcia fight is off the table.
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