The boxing world is buzzing with anticipation as two of the sport’s brightest young stars, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney, are slated to return to action on the same card this May. The event, which will take place in the United States under the newly minted Ring Magazine promotional banner, sets the stage for what could be one of the most explosive rematches in recent boxing history.
A Card Stacked with Talent and Intrigue
Boxing financier Turki Alalshikh, who recently acquired The Ring Magazine, has pulled out all the stops to create a must-see event. Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) is set to face former junior welterweight titleholder Rolando “Rolly” Romero, while Devin Haney will square off against former unified junior welterweight champion Jose Ramirez.
🚨 Turki Alalshikh has officially confirmed the first Ring Magazine USA card in May:
🥊 Ryan Garcia vs Rolando Romero
🥊 Devin Haney vs Jose Ramirez
🥊 Martin Bakole vs Efe Ajagba#FatalFury | May 2025 | Times Square, New York City pic.twitter.com/bjf4G13MWn— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) January 21, 2025
This double-header isn’t just about individual matchups; it’s a calculated move to set up a potential rematch between Garcia and Haney in October, provided both emerge victorious from their May bouts. The stakes couldn’t be higher for these young pugilists, each looking to prove themselves worthy of a shot at redemption or confirmation of supremacy.
Adding to the card’s allure is a heavyweight eliminator between Martin Bakole and Efe Ajagba, ensuring that fight fans will be treated to a night of action across multiple weight classes.
The Road to Redemption and Rivalry
The Garcia-Haney saga has been one of boxing’s most compelling narratives over the past year. Their first encounter in April 2024 ended in controversy when Garcia’s majority decision victory was overturned to a no-contest after he tested positive for the banned substance ostarine.
Garcia’s subsequent one-year suspension, handed down by the New York State Athletic Commission, is set to expire on April 20, 2025, just in time for this May event. The young fighter’s return to the ring will be closely watched for his performance and how he handles the scrutiny following his suspension.
Haney, for his part, has been vocal about his demands for stringent drug testing protocols. “Ryan don’t wanna do 365 testing.. because he think he finna take drugs then have enough time to cycle off,” Haney tweeted, highlighting the ongoing tension between the two fighters.
Ryan said he would sign up for drug testing.. he hasn’t signed up for Vada or Usada. That’s what’s holding everything up. Maybe he’s trying to get clean
— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) January 17, 2025
The build-up to this event has not been without its challenges. Both camps have engaged in a war of words, with drug testing protocols being a major point of contention. However, recent reports suggest that progress has been made, with Garcia allegedly agreeing to VADA testing, paving the way for Haney to drop a controversial lawsuit against his rival.
As the boxing community looks ahead to this star-studded May card, the potential for a Garcia-Haney rematch in October looms large. Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh is reportedly working to bring this highly anticipated bout to fruition, with Riyadh being eyed as the potential host city.
The May event serves as more than just a showcase of talent; it’s a proving ground for two of boxing’s most exciting young fighters. Garcia will be looking to shake off any ring rust and prove that his previous performance against Haney was no fluke. Haney, conversely, aims to reassert his dominance and set the record straight.
With the eyes of the boxing world firmly fixed on this event, both Garcia and Haney have the opportunity to not only advance their careers but also to captivate a global audience. As the countdown to May begins, fight fans can expect the hype and anticipation to reach fever pitch, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable night of boxing action.
