Ryan Garcia Regrets 'drinking And Smoking' Before The Fight With Devin Haney

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Ryan Garcia, one of boxing’s most electrifying stars, has had a career filled with highs, lows, and unexpected twists. Known for his blistering hand speed and social media presence, Garcia has captivated fans worldwide. However, his recent admission of unprofessional behavior before his April 2024 fight against Devin Haney revealed the costly lessons he has learned.

After a dramatic fight that saw Garcia knock Haney down three times, his victory was overturned due to a failed drug test, leading to a one-year suspension. Now, as he prepares for his comeback fight against Rolando “Rolly” Romero in May 2025, Garcia is determined to redefine his legacy and prove he belongs among boxing’s elite.

A Costly Mistake: The Lead-Up to the Haney Fight

Leading up to his fight against Devin Haney for the junior welterweight championship, Garcia made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Videos surfaced on social media showing him drinking alcohol at a nightclub, and during his pre-fight weigh-in, he even pretended to drink beer, fueling speculation about his focus and preparation.

Despite the distractions, Garcia shocked the boxing world by dropping the undefeated Haney three times. The fight ended in a majority decision victory for Garcia, seemingly solidifying his place as a champion.

However, the victory was short-lived. Garcia tested positive for Ostarine, a banned substance, causing the New York State Athletic Commission to overturn the result and declare it a no contest. He was subsequently suspended for one year and forced to reflect on what went wrong.

Garcia’s Admission and the Impact on His Career

In a rare moment of vulnerability, Garcia acknowledged his mistakes, admitting that his behavior before the fight was irresponsible and unprofessional.

“I wasn’t taking things seriously. Drinking and partying before a fight? That’s not what a champion does. I had to learn that the hard way,” Garcia admitted.

The suspension forced him to step away from the ring, but it also gave him a chance to reset, refocus, and prepare for his comeback.

The Road Back: Garcia vs. Rolando “Rolly” Romero

Eager to prove himself, Garcia is set to return on May 2, 2025, in a high-profile fight against Rolando “Rolly” Romero. This fight will be Garcia’s debut in the 147-pound welterweight division, a move that signals a new chapter in his career.

The fight will be part of a stacked event titled “Fatal Fury: City of Wolves,” taking place in the heart of Times Square, New York City. The unique venue and star-studded card are expected to draw massive attention.

Why This Fight Matters

A Fresh Start at Welterweight: Garcia is moving up in weight, meaning he will be facing bigger, stronger opponents. How he adapts to the division will be critical to his future success.
Rebuilding His Reputation: After the Haney controversy, Garcia needs to prove he can stay disciplined and perform at an elite level.
The Path to a Haney Rematch: If Garcia wins and Haney also emerges victorious in his fight on the same night, a highly anticipated rematch could take place in October 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Rolando “Rolly” Romero: A Dangerous Opponent

Romero, a hard-hitting and outspoken fighter, has been eager to make a statement against Garcia. Known for his explosive power and unorthodox style, he presents a real challenge.

Rolly’s thoughts on the fight?

“That sparring session we had years ago doesn’t matter. This is the real deal. This fight is going to be one of the biggest in history,” Romero said confidently.

With both fighters having knockout power and aggressive styles, fans can expect fireworks.

A Stacked Fight Card: Boxing’s Biggest Night of 2025?

Garcia vs. Romero isn’t the only must-watch fight on the “Fatal Fury: City of Wolves” card. The event will also feature:

Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez

After the controversy of his fight with Garcia, Devin Haney is eager to prove himself at welterweight. He will face Jose Ramirez, a former champion with a relentless work rate.

A dominant performance could set up a massive rematch with Garcia later in 2025.

Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr.

Teofimo Lopez, one of boxing’s most dynamic stars, will defend his title against Arnold Barboza Jr. This fight could determine the next major player in the division.

What’s at stake for Ryan Garcia?

A win over Romero would do more than just boost Garcia’s record. It would:

Prove He Belongs at Welterweight; Can he carry his speed and power into a heavier division?
Restore His Reputation: Fans and critics need to see that he’s serious about his career again.
Open the Door for a Mega-Fight with Haney: If both fighters win, a rematch in Saudi Arabia could be one of boxing’s biggest events of the year.

Can Ryan Garcia Learn from His Mistakes?

The boxing world has seen talented fighters throw away their careers due to bad decisions. Garcia, still only 26 years old, has a chance to rewrite his story.

If he remains disciplined and focused, he could still fulfill his potential as one of boxing’s top superstars. But if he falls into old habits, his legacy may be defined by what could have been.

His upcoming fight against Rolly Romero will tell us a lot about whether Ryan Garcia is truly ready for his second chance.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for Garcia

Boxing is a sport of redemption and reinvention. Some of the greatest champions have suffered setbacks before coming back stronger.

For Ryan Garcia, the May 2025 fight against Rolando Romero isn’t just about a win or loss—it’s about proving he has learned from his past and showing the world he’s here to stay.

The countdown begins. Will Garcia rise again, or will his past mistakes continue to haunt him? On May 2, we’ll find out.