NEW YORK – A peculiar sight greeted pedestrians in the famous tourist hub of Times Square: a boxing ring and its surrounding structure, prompting questions and countless photos.
Passersby were naturally curious. One person asked an officer policing the area, “What`s happening, and how do I cross Fifth Avenue?”
Another local expressed frustration when informed the area was restricted, lamenting that their friend had traveled from California only for Times Square to be inaccessible, adding, “I don`t even know what`s going on.”
A security worker simply replied, “This is a big, exclusive match.”
Many onlookers were unaware they were witnessing a historic moment.
Last Friday, under the banner of `Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves,` Times Square was, for the first time, transformed into an outdoor boxing arena.
The fight card, streamed via PPV, featured Ryan Garcia`s return bout against Rolando `Rolly` Romero, marking Garcia`s first fight after a year-long suspension for a positive PED test. The event also included Devin Haney versus Jose Ramirez and Teofimo Lopez against Arnold Barboza Jr.
Unlike a typical boxing event, the energy of the fights complemented the dazzling lights of Times Square. Here`s a look at what made this historic boxing night truly special.
The Ring Takes Center Stage
The boxing ring was strategically placed on Seventh Avenue, positioned directly in front of the `Good Morning America` studio and Carlo`s Bake Shop, with prominent Times Square landmarks like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Taco Bell, and Hard Rock Café visible across the street. The ring was enclosed within a structure featuring four pillars, a roof, and four smaller video screens.
Bill Haney, father and trainer of Devin Haney, praised the unparalleled location. He commented, “I`ve been at fights with 50,000 attendees, but this has to be the most iconic, historic fight I`ve ever witnessed. Right here in the heart of Times Square. If someone had told me last year we`d be here, fighting or even just seeing a fight, I wouldn`t have believed it. It feels like a dream.”
Fans Found Ways to Watch
Since tickets for this exclusive event were not sold, crosswalks were closed, effectively placing fans and tourists behind barricades. However, video screens were set up in several nearby locations. As the night`s bouts unfolded, delayed cheers from the dispersed crowds in three designated viewing zones echoed through the area whenever a significant punch landed.
Oscar De La Hoya Calls it `Amazing`
Oscar De La Hoya, the Golden Boy promoter with three fighters (Garcia, Ramirez, and Barboza) participating, emphasized how the unique location elevated the event beyond typical sports. He stated, “In my 45 years involved in boxing, there`s absolutely no comparison. I believe this surpasses anything seen before in boxing, or literally any sport. We haven`t had live basketball games in Times Square, for example. This is incredibly unique, truly unbelievable, simply amazing.”
Everyone Found a Vantage Point
One reliable truth about boxing enthusiasts is their determination to watch major fights. While access to the ring itself was restricted by approximately 12-foot fences covered in red tarp to maintain exclusivity, large video screens around Times Square offered viewing opportunities for the public. Resourceful fans also discovered vantage points from surrounding platforms and buildings.
Remarkably, a group of construction workers positioned beneath the New Year`s Eve ball drop site secured perhaps the best view. Clad in their work vests and hard hats, they assembled atop a construction platform. Initially, they watched the preliminary bouts leaning over a guardrail, later bringing chairs onto the platform for the main events. As the Garcia-Romero fight progressed, they visibly relaxed, eventually shedding their hard hats and vests.
Star-Studded Audience Ringside
Beyond the usual Times Square impersonators – including likenesses of Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, Harry Potter, Hulk Hogan, Michael Jackson, and multiple Elmos – the event drew significant star power. Attendees were seated in three distinct sections. The north and south areas hosted celebrities like actor Michael J. Fox, streamers IShowSpeed and AMP, renowned drummer Jonathan `Sugarfoot` Moffett, rapper/actor Ice-T, and New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, fresh off his team`s recent playoff victory over the Detroit Pistons.
Boxing`s elite were positioned to the east of the ring. Lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson arrived early to witness the historic occasion, later joined by junior middleweight champion Terence Crawford, who was generating buzz for his upcoming fight against Canelo Alvarez. Former heavyweight king Mike Tyson was also present, notably moving through the crowd in a stylish navy blue satin suit and posing for photos with fans.
First Responders Showcase: FDNY vs. NYPD
Adding a unique touch, the event included a preview of the annual `Battle of the Badges` charity matches, where New York police officers and firefighters compete in amateur boxing. This event supports the Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation, which aids first responders and military veterans. An hour before the professional bouts commenced, firefighter James Gennari (Ladder 24) and police officer Joel Allen made their ring entrances, dressed in their respective service colors (blue for NYPD, red for FDNY) and arriving in vehicles symbolic of their professions.
Preparation Behind the Scenes
In preparation for his fight against Lopez, Arnold Barboza Jr. had his hands wrapped and gloves taped in a hotel ballroom. His journey to the ring began with him ascending an escalator from the hotel, clad in a white-and-blue robe and white hat, accompanied by his team.
Unique Fighter Arrivals
Given the lack of direct locker rooms at the Times Square venue, the fighters` method of arrival became a point of interest. Their dressing rooms were situated blocks away in a hotel. The solution? Arriving in style, conveyed to the ring in classic cars, including some of New York`s iconic yellow taxis. The short journey from hotel to ring took approximately eight minutes.
Specifically, the fighters competing for the WBO junior welterweight title traveled to the ring in vintage taxis through the New York streets, greeted by cheering fans recording the spectacle. Brooklyn native Teofimo Lopez clearly savored the moment of fighting in his home city. Upon his arrival at the ring, notably wearing an NYPD vest, crowds chanted `Teo`.
Devin Haney`s Entrance
Devin Haney made his ring walk to 50 Cent`s `Many Men,` wearing a black leather jacket and matching trunks. As he moved around the ring, he paused to take in the surrounding billboards and the unique audience – a select group primarily composed of celebrities and fellow fighters. Despite being accustomed to large arenas, the exclusive setting appeared to energize the 26-year-old.
His father, Bill Haney, reiterated the event`s distinctiveness, stating, “You can`t prepare for this. It`s so iconic, and I doubt we`ll see something like this again for a long time.”
Rolly Romero`s `Back to the Future` Tribute
For the main event, Rolly Romero embraced a `Back to the Future` theme. His team sported turquoise jumpsuits featuring `Rolly McFly` on the back in pink lettering styled after the movie logo.
Completing the theme, Romero`s boxing shoes were designed to resemble those worn by Marty McFly, the character famously portrayed by Michael J. Fox, who was present at the event. They mirrored the iconic self-tying sneakers from the `Back to the Future` sequel.
Romero`s ring entrance vehicle was an old-school, cream-colored lowrider car, complete with hydraulics and custom wheels. He emerged from it wearing a striking pink-and-yellow-sleeved jacket.
The Main Event Unfolds
Ryan Garcia`s return bout was highly anticipated. He entered in a blue ensemble, his robe adorned with `King Ryan` on the back, along with a cross and angel wings motif. His trunks featured crosses on the legs and `King` and `Ryan` lettering. White shoes matching the robe and trunks pattern completed his look.
The hotel entrance was bustling as Garcia headed towards his transport to the ring. His chosen vehicle was a Batmobile, an arrival that certainly set a dramatic tone for the main event. He entered the ring to the sounds of Lupe Fiasco`s `Superstar` featuring Matthew Santos.
In the second round, Garcia suffered a knockdown from a left hook by Romero. Given the limited attendance ringside, the reaction to this moment was subdued, drowned out by the ambient sounds of Times Square traffic – cars, bicycle bells, horns, and sirens.
Even boxing greats like Tyson and Stevenson reacted visibly to Romero`s knockdown.
Ultimately, Romero caused an upset, defeating Garcia by decision (scores: 115-112, 115-112, 118-109), thus spoiling Garcia`s comeback and a potential rematch with Haney. Despite the victory, Romero publicly supported a rematch.
Romero stated, “I believe Devin and Ryan deserve their rematch, and they should make it a major event.”
Ellis Thorne 
Percy Harlow