Ryan Garcia has returned from doping suspension to beat Rory Romero in a unanimous point decision in New York.
American boxer Ryan Garcia returned from doping suspension in a welterweight match held at New York’s iconic Times Square and was knocked down once on the way to reach the defeat of the unanimous decision to Rory Romero.
Friday’s defeat threw Garcia’s planned rematch with Devin Haney in doubt, but Haney played his part in the unanimous decision victory over Jose Ramirez in the outdoor ring built for the event.
Romero sent Garcia to the canvas in the second round and Garcia with a pair of left hooks to rule the rest of the fight. The two judges gave it to Romero 115-112, with the third one winning 118-109.
Last April, Ryan knocked down Haney three times on the way to the decision victory, but the result was wiped out and the match declared a non-contest after it was revealed that Garcia had failed pre-match drug tests.
In June, Garcia reportedly caused $15,000 worth of damage at a Beverly Hills hotel and was suspended from a World Boxing Council event a month later for making racist comments on social media.
He had planned a New Year exhibit for kickboxing champion Lukiya Ampo, which fell when Garcia suffered a wrist injury in training.
Romero handed Garcia his second professional defeat to 24 victory.
“I think I’ve taken a lot of it out of my body physically (off the off-) all year round, physically and mentally,” Garcia said.
“I’m happy I got to the ring and went to round 12. I’m wearing a hat on Lori… I was able to go to the drawing board with my team.
Meanwhile, Haney improved to 32-0 with a dominant victory, with two judges earning 119-109 for Haney, with the third being 118-110.