After Rolando “Rolly” Romero’s surprise victory over Ryan Garcia on May 2, 2025 in New York, rumors of a rematch between the two have been growing. While Garcia is recovering from surgery on his right hand, the WBA welterweight champion sent a direct message on social media asking his followers who he should fight, casting doubt on his commitment to a second fight.
For his part, Ryan Garcia has not only confirmed his interest in returning to the ring against Romero, but he assured that this time he will not be the same boxer: “I was completely helpless,” he said when recalling that night when he was knocked down in the second round.
Ryan Garcia wants revenge and promises not to forgive
Despite having arrived as the favorite, Garcia was surprisingly defeated by an inspired Rolly Romero in a fight that will go down in history more for what did not happen than for what was seen. It was one of the most static fights in recent CompuBox history, with only 123 punches landed between the two.
After the defeat, Ryan explained that he dealt with injuries to both hands, only four weeks of preparation and a general lack of energy. “It wasn’t the usual Ryan,” he told The Ring. The Victorville, California, native even confessed to crying after the fight: “Not because I lost, but because I couldn’t defend myself.”
Now, recovered after new surgery on his right hand, Garcia has vowed to return with a different mindset and a clear strategy. “I’m going to drown him in deep water,” he promised. His motivation is not only sporting, he needs a convincing victory to regain his status after two straight defeats, the first to Gervonta Davis.
Rolly Romero is looking for Pacquiao… and forgets about Ryan?
While Garcia makes noise with promises of revenge, Rolly Romero seems to look the other way. In a recent post on his X account, he simply wrote: “Who should I fight now?” which raised doubts about his real interest in a rematch.
In previous interviews, Romero had said he would face Garcia again, but his attention now seems to be on Manny Pacquiao, who has expressed his intention to continue fighting after his comeback against Mario Barrios. Romero did not hide his enthusiasm: “Who wouldn’t want a Hall of Famer on their resume?” he told FightHype.
The surprise came when Pacquiao himself seemed to indirectly accept the challenge, reviving the possibility of a high-profile fight between the two.
Revenge or a new path? What Rolly Romero has in store
The truth is that neither the rematch between Romero and Garcia is confirmed, nor the possible duel between Romero and Pacquiao. Meanwhile, Ryan has also expressed interest in fighting the Filipino: “It’s a dream I’ve had for a long time,” he said, although he clarified that he first wants to settle accounts with Rolly.
At the moment, the scenario seems to be open. Garcia’s return could happen in December 2025, and although his team has shown optimism, everything will depend on how his rehabilitation progresses.
For now, Rolly Romero has the attention of the fans with one question who does he really want to face? If he chooses Pacquiao, Garcia will have to wait. But if he accepts the challenge, boxing could witness one of the most exciting rematches of the year.
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