May promises to be an exhilarating month for boxing fans with the announcement of a triple-header featuring Ryan Garcia, Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, Devin Haney, Jose Ramirez, and Martin Bakole facing Efe Ajagba. Turki Al-Sheikh’s promotional card has generated anticipation amongst fans who are eager to see these prominent fighters live in action. The confirmation made on the platform X showed a strategic match-up, particularly featuring Garcia and Romero, which has stirred varied reactions within the boxing community.
Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) selecting Rolly Romero (16-2, 13 KOs) as his opponent rather than the more challenging Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz can be seen as a tactical maneuver. Transitioning back into the ring after a year-long suspension is fraught with potential risks, and opting for a less formidable foe like Romero seems to be a calculated risk. Despite Rolly’s mixed results — with only two victories in his last four bouts — he is viewed as the safer choice, allowing Garcia the opportunity to regain his momentum without the pressures that come with a more skilled opponent.
On the flip side, Devin Haney (previously the WBC and WBO light welterweight champion) faces an equally challenging fighter in Jose Ramirez (29-2, 18 KOs). While Haney intends to emerge victorious ahead of their anticipated rematch later in the year against Garcia, it cannot be overlooked that Ramirez represents a genuine threat. Seen as more than just a warm-up, the matchup against Ramirez could potentially derail Haney’s plans, especially given Ramirez’s talent and resilience in the ring.
Analyses of the card often highlight the role of Rolly Romero as a largely entertaining yet questionable fighter. Known more for his brash attitude and trash talk than his boxing prowess, Rolly appears positioned more as comic relief rather than a serious contender. Past performances, including notable losses to Isaac Cruz and Gervonta Davis, display his deficiencies in the ring. The criticism surrounding his inclusion on such a high-profile card emphasizes a possible misalignment between entertainment value and athletic merit. This does raise questions about the overall quality and competitiveness of the bout.
The decision to match Garcia with Romero has led to waves of discontent among boxing fans, with many expressing frustration over the perceived mismatch. Critics argue that this matchup undermines the sport’s competitive integrity, instead of providing opportunities for up-and-coming talents to shine. However, Garcia’s team seems unfazed by public sentiments, suggesting a strong belief in their strategy to maintain a favorable trajectory toward future goals.
In conjunction with all of this, The Ring Magazine’s collaboration with SNK Games to host its first boxing card in the USA titled after the popular video game “Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves” in May 2025 adds another layer of excitement for boxing aficionados. It indicates a growing trend of blending sports with entertainment, underscoring the evolving landscape of boxing promotions and fan engagement.
While the May triple-header presents a mix of intrigue and controversy, it embodies the diligence of promoters to balance entertainment and athletic challenge, keeping the boxing community buzzing with expectations. The real test lies ahead in proving that beneath the hype, authentic competition still prevails.
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