On Friday, May 2nd New York’s iconic Times Square will be transformed into a world-class boxing venue. Some of the hottest names in the game will be headlining a historic three-fight card titled “FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves.”
The card is the first-ever in the United States presented by Ring Magazine, with the crossroads of the world providing the perfect backdrop for the event. Welterweight contender and international superstar “King” Ryan Garcia will face off against Rolly Romero for the WBA Welterweight Title. Also featured on May 2 are two-division world champion Devin “The Dream” Haney facing former unified titleholder Jose Carlos and Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez the reigning WBO Super Lightweight Champion and former unified lightweight king, defending his title against unbeaten contender Arnold Barboza Jr.
Ryan Garcia hosted a media workout at The BXNG Club in San Diego, Calif., ahead of his fight in Times Square ruminating on a variety of topics from being away from the ring for a year, a potential rematch with Haney and of course his current opponent Rolly Romero.
Ryan Garcia on going from his Tijuana debut to Headlining Times Square
“To be honest, I didn’t even dream about it. It was not even a thought in my head. Times Square? I’m just happy to be part of history. It’s a big opportunity for me to do something amazing at a historic event. There’s a little added pressure, but this is what we do, this is why we’ve trained since we were young, for these super mega events. I’m blessed.”
On fighting for a world championship and his hunger for it
“As I grew up, I’m like, ‘it would be nice to get a championship under my belt,’ but I don’t want to say anyone can become a champion, but it’s pretty watered down at the moment. For me, quality opponents, how I perform, how I look, and how much money I’m making really determine how good of a fighter you are.”
“You’re called a prize fighter, but we’re fighting for a prize. It’s still in my heart to become a champion. I believe I’m fighting for a 147-pound championship, so I will be a world champion. I’m excited, but do I want to fight somebody else that would make me feel more like a champion? Whoever the champions are, Jaron Ennis, Brian Norman, Mario Barrios, any of those guys. I will win the world championship if I beat any of those guys.”
On never shying away from fights
“Yeah, 100 percent, that’s always how I’ve been. I feel like with my talent, any fight I’m in, no matter how good they are, I’m right there with anybody.”
On his antics vs Haney compared to Rolando
“You got to know that Devin is a much different fighter than Rolando. Rolando wouldn’t get offended by antics, he actually would love that. It’s a whole different situation. I got to be sharp the whole way through. He only throws bombs, that’s all he knows how to throw, so if I’m not sharp the whole way through, I could get caught and that’s not something I want to do so for me, it’s about having my technique right, and that’s what we’ve been working on just technique, making sure our hands get back, watching what he’s doing at all times, and we should do the job.”
On sparring with Rolly years ago…
“As I’ve matured, for me it’s just another fight. After the year layoff, it just so happened to be Rolando. I really just want to get sharp again and prepare for the next fight, but I can’t look past Rolando obviously. I’ll be looking to shake off some of the rust and get right for the next fight because I got a lot to prove with the Devin Haney rematch.”
On Devin Haney rematch…
“I want the Devin Haney rematch 100 percent. I need it and I’m going to do it for USADA this time. I want the Devin Haney rematch so bad. I really want it. There’s some personal bad blood there but it’s not going to overrule me but it’s got some extra oomph in there, you know, when you’re fighting and put it on him even more. Then you got Bill’s [Haney] crazy antics, and he’s constantly talking nonstop, and that makes me want to put a whooping in a little bit more. This is an opportunity to do it again, and I think after that, I’ll put a stamp on that and move forward.”
On being in a different headspace…
“I am in a different mental space, every fight has its challenges, every camp has its own challenges. I just felt like playing mind games with them, they like to play mind games with you. Bill Haney liked to talk about a lot of crazy things to throw you off, but I was going to out-crazy the crazy. I took it a little too far, but I did win.”
On how the year has been for him
“It’s been good, a couple ups and downs, but I’m excited to be in the ring and in my element. It’s where I produce the best version of myself when preparing for a fight, so I’m excited.”
On his time and struggle away from boxing
“I did a lot of things, but for me it was more mental. Everything was mental. It took a toll on my mentality because I know I didn’t take steroids or anything like that. It was tough for me to overcome that, but throughout the year I got over it, refocused myself, and got blessed with this opportunity. I felt that this is my chance to come back and show everybody I can really fight.”
On Oscar saying the fight will end quickly
“You know, when you say that it usually doesn’t happen. So for me, I’m just doing my thing. If I see the shot open, I’m going to take it, but if not, I’m ready to go 12 rounds.”
A lot has transpired since the Haney match. On May 2nd, Ryan Garcia has a chance to quiet the noise and continue on the comeback trail…someone just needs to make sure Rolly Romero knows that!
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