Fatal Fury Ends with an Upset — Full Recap of All 3 Bouts

By Steven X

May 3, 2025

(The fights took place on May 2, 2025)

Times Square, NY – The high-profile “Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves” card delivered big names, bold statements, and one major upset under the lights in the heart of Times Square. In an exclusive, invite-only spectacle, three bouts captured the imagination of boxing fans around the world.

Teofimo Lopez cruised past Arnold Barboza Jr., Devin Haney returned to form with a dominant win over Jose Ramirez, and in the biggest shock of the night, Rolando “Rolly” Romero upset Ryan Garcia with a second-round knockdown and a unanimous decision victory.

The evening was meant to be a springboard toward a Haney-Garcia rematch scheduled for October—once a lucrative possibility following the New York State Athletic Commission’s decision to overturn Garcia’s 2024 victory due to multiple failed drug tests. But Romero’s win may have derailed those plans permanently.

Fight 1: Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr.

Result: Lopez wins via unanimous decision (116–112, 116–112, 118–110)

Teofimo Lopez made quick work of Arnold Barboza Jr., displaying flash, control, and veteran poise over 12 rounds. Lopez dictated the pace with slick footwork and sharp counters, consistently beating Barboza to the punch.

Though Barboza landed a solid shot in the sixth that appeared to momentarily stagger Lopez, the exchange ultimately favored Teofimo, who countered with precision. That round may have been Barboza’s lone success of the night.

The result surprised few. Most observers agreed that Barboza lacked the power and pedigree to trouble Lopez, a proven performer at the championship level. Lopez's performance reaffirmed his standing as one of the top boxers in the division.

Fight 2: Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez

Result: Haney wins via unanimous decision (119–109, 119–109, 118–110)

Devin Haney put on a technical clinic against Jose Ramirez, making his return to the ring following last year’s no-contest ruling in his bout against Ryan Garcia. Haney’s superior footwork and ring IQ were on full display, as he kept Ramirez off balance and ineffective throughout the fight.

Ramirez, known for his aggressive style, struggled to find rhythm. Haney neutralized his opponent’s offense by circling, timing his exits, and landing clean left hooks while avoiding danger. Notably, Haney used fewer jabs than usual, opting instead to control distance with hooks and lateral movement.

While some critics dismissed the bout as "boring," the performance was a tactical masterclass. Haney stuck to his game plan, avoided risk, and outclassed a tough opponent. With Garcia’s future uncertain, fans now wonder what’s next for Haney.

Main Event: Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero

Result: Romero wins via unanimous decision (115–112, 115–112, 118–109)

In the most unexpected outcome of the night, Rolando Romero shocked the boxing world by dropping Ryan Garcia in the second round and securing a unanimous decision victory. Romero’s powerful double left hook floored Garcia early, and though Garcia recovered, he never regained control of the fight.

Their bout had history—both fighters sparred years ago and claimed dominance in those gym wars. But it was Romero who had the last laugh under the bright lights of Times Square.

Trainer Derrick James urged Garcia to get his right hand going, but nothing seemed to click. Post-fight, Romero commented: “Knockdowns always help, but he’s a warrior. He got up and finished the fight.”

The fight cast serious doubt on Garcia’s trajectory and potentially scrapped a much-anticipated rematch with Devin Haney.

Event Takeaways

Biggest Winner: Rolando Romero gained the most from the night, defeating a heavily favored Garcia who entered the bout with odds ranging from -1115 to -1430. Romero, a +650 to +800 underdog, shocked the world with poise and power.

Haney’s Future: Devin Haney’s next move is now the biggest storyline, with Garcia’s status unclear.

Support for Garcia: His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, the promoter behind Fatal Fury, tweeted, “I just hung up the phone with @RyanGarcia and I fully support him. He will come back better than ever.”

Final Thoughts

While no knockouts occurred, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves delivered fireworks. For Devin Haney, Romero’s win over Garcia felt like poetic justice. The specter of performance-enhancing drugs loomed large, with Garcia’s previous win over Haney now increasingly viewed as tainted by his failed Ostarine tests.

Some fans once claimed the banned substance made no difference. But after Saturday’s result, many believe it was the sole reason Garcia had prevailed last year. Romero’s upset reshapes the landscape—and potentially buries one of the sport’s biggest rematches.