With his one-year ban for failing a drug test set to end, Ryan Garcia is set to finally make his return to boxing.
The 26-year-old hasn’t stepped into a ring since he beat Devin Haney last April. The result was later ruled a no contest after Garcia tested positive for the banned substance ostarine.
Although Garcia stated he was the victim of contamination, he eventually accepted a one-year ban and forfeited his $1.2 million purse.
Now, Garcia is set to finally return to the ring after Ring Magazine announced he will take on Rolando Romero in New York on May 2.
Romero has won 16 of his 18 fights, though he has lost two of his last four to the likes of Gervonta Davis and Isaac Cruz.
Of note, Haney will also feature on the card in the co-main event against Jose Ramirez.
Ramirez is a former world champion having beaten Josh Taylor in an undisputed light-welterweight fight in 2021.
Haney and Garcia rivalry continues
The fact Haney and Garcia will both feature on the same card adds the rivalry between the two.
Haney filed a lawsuit against Garcia following his failed drug test, seeking damages for battery, fraud and breach of contract.
With a tentative agreement having been agreed last month, a rematch between the two is reportedly in the works for the second half of 2025.
Along with Garcia and Haney, Teofimo Lopez will also fight on the May 2 card against Arnold Barboza Jr. Lopez will defend his WBO light-welterweight title in the fight, and should he defeat Barboza Jr, he could be in line to fight Garcia or Haney.
It won’t be easy though as Barboza Jr is a perfect 32-0.
Read the full article here
