Times Square, a location synonymous with bustling tourist activity, was transformed into something entirely unexpected recently. A boxing ring appeared right in the center of this iconic spot, sparking questions and prompting countless photos from pedestrians. Confused onlookers inquired with police and security staff about the disruption caused by the restricted area, with one frustrated visitor remarking on traveling specifically to see Times Square only to find it blocked off. A security worker simply described the event as an “exclusive, big match.” What many didn`t realize was they were witnessing a truly historic moment.
Last Friday, the `Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves` event made history by turning Times Square into an outdoor boxing venue for the very first time.
The fight card featured notable matchups: Ryan Garcia, making his return after a year-long suspension, faced Rolando `Rolly` Romero in the headliner. Devin Haney was set against Jose Ramirez, and Teofimo Lopez took on Arnold Barboza Jr.
This was far from a typical boxing night. The energy of the bouts amplified the already dazzling, light-filled atmosphere of Times Square. Here`s a closer look at what made this historic night so special.
The Unique Venue
The boxing ring was strategically positioned on Seventh Avenue, nestled between prominent landmarks like ABC`s `Good Morning America` studio, Carlo`s Bake Shop, and across from popular eateries like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Taco Bell, and Hard Rock Café. The ring was enclosed within a structure supported by four pillars, complete with a roof and four small video screens.
Bill Haney, father and trainer of Devin Haney, lauded the location as unparalleled. He told ESPN, “I`ve been in fights with 50,000 people and I would have to say this is the most iconic, historic fight that I`ve witnessed in my entire life… Right here in the middle of Times Square. If you had told me last year that we would be here and we would be fighting, or me just seeing a fight [let] alone being a part of it, I wouldn`t have believed it. I feel like I`m dreaming.”
Public Viewing Areas
Tickets were not sold for this event, leading to crosswalks being blocked off and fans and tourists being guided to designated viewing areas behind gates. These areas featured multiple video screens broadcasting the fights. As the bouts progressed, delayed cheers from these scattered crowds around the venue would erupt in response to significant moments in the ring.
Promoter`s Perspective
Oscar De La Hoya, head of Golden Boy Promotions, who had three fighters competing (Garcia, Ramirez, and Barboza), emphasized how the unique location set this night apart from any other sporting event. He stated to ESPN, “In my 45 years in boxing, there`s no comparison whatsoever… I think this tops everything in the sport of boxing or in any sport, literally. I don`t think we`ve had basketball at Times Square live. … I think this is very unique, it`s incredible, it`s amazing.”
Creative Spectators
Boxing fans are known for their dedication, often finding ways to watch major events. While video screens were available for public viewing, the immediate ring area was surrounded by approximately 12-foot fences covered in red tarp, intended to make the event exclusive. Despite this, fans found alternative vantage points, including from surrounding platforms and buildings.
Remarkably, a group of construction workers near the site where the New Year`s Eve ball drops secured what was arguably one of the best views of the action. Dressed in their work vests and hard hats, they gathered on top of a construction site. They initially watched the early fights leaning over a guardrail before setting up chairs to comfortably view the main events. As Garcia and Romero fought, they grew more relaxed, eventually removing their hard hats and vests.
Star-Studded Audience
Beyond the familiar Times Square impersonators, the event drew a significant number of prominent figures. Spectators were seated in three sections. The north and south sections hosted celebrities like actor Michael J. Fox, streamers IShowSpeed and AMP, drummer Jonathan `Sugarfoot` Moffett, rapper/actor Ice-T, and New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns, fresh off a playoff victory. Boxing royalty occupied the east side of the ring, including lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson and junior middleweight champ Terence Crawford, who was generating buzz for an upcoming fight. Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson also made an appearance, mingling and taking photos with attendees.
First Responders Bout
The evening commenced with a charity bout, part of the annual `Battle of the Badges` event featuring amateur matches between New York police officers and firefighters. This event supports the Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation, which assists first responders and military veterans. An hour before the professional card began, firefighter James Gennari and police officer Joel Allen arrived at the ring in robes reflecting their service colors (red for FDNY, blue for NYPD), making their entrances from vehicles associated with their respective occupations.
Pre-Fight Preparations
Before his fight against Lopez, Arnold Barboza Jr. had his hands wrapped and gloves taped in a hotel ballroom. His unique journey to the ring involved him and his team, with Barboza in his white-and-blue robe and hat, riding an escalator to exit the hotel and head towards the venue.
Grand Entrances
With no locker rooms on-site, fighters prepared at a hotel a few blocks away. Their arrivals at the ring were a spectacle, as they were transported in style, often in classic cars or New York`s distinctive yellow taxis. The journey from hotel to ring took approximately eight minutes.
Contenders in the WBO junior welterweight bout rode through the New York streets in vintage cabs, cheered and filmed by fans. Teofimo Lopez, a Brooklyn native, clearly cherished the moment of fighting in his home city. Arriving at the ring wearing an NYPD vest, he was greeted with chants of “Teo” from his supporters.
Devin Haney`s Entrance
Devin Haney entered the ring to 50 Cent`s `Many Men,` sporting a black leather jacket and matching trunks. As he got ready, he took a moment to observe the surrounding Times Square billboards and the unique, exclusive audience composed mainly of celebrities and fellow boxers. Although accustomed to fighting before massive crowds, the intimate setting appeared to motivate the 26-year-old.
His father, Bill Haney, reflected on the unprecedented nature of the event: “This, you can`t prepare for it. This is so iconic, and I don`t think this will happen again for a long time.”
Romero`s `Back to the Future` Tribute
For the main event, Rolando `Rolly` Romero chose a `Back to the Future` theme. His team wore turquoise jumpsuits featuring `Rolly McFly` on the back in pink lettering styled after the film`s logo.
His boxing shoes were designed to mimic the iconic self-tying sneakers worn by Marty McFly in the movie sequel, a character played by Michael J. Fox, who was fittingly in the audience.
Romero arrived at the ring in an old-school cream-colored lowrider, equipped with hydraulics and distinctive wheels, while wearing a vibrant pink-and-yellow-sleeved jacket.
The Main Event: Garcia vs. Romero
Ryan Garcia`s return bout was highly anticipated. He wore a blue ensemble featuring `King Ryan` on the back of his robe, adorned with a cross and angel wings. His trunks displayed crosses on each leg, with `King` on the front and `Ryan` on the back, completed by white shoes matching the design.
The hotel entrance was packed as Garcia headed towards his escort vehicle. His dramatic ride to the ring in a Batmobile certainly set the stage. He entered the ring accompanied by Lupe Fiasco`s `Superstar`.
In the second round, Garcia was knocked down by a left hook from Romero. With only a limited number of fans ringside, the reaction to the knockdown was muted, overshadowed by the ambient sounds of Times Square like cars, bicycle bells, horns, and sirens.
Boxing legends present, like Tyson and Stevenson, showed visible reactions to Romero`s knockdown.
Ultimately, Romero secured an upset victory via decision with scores of 115-112, 115-112, and 118-109, spoiling Garcia`s return and potentially affecting a future rematch with Haney. Despite his win over Garcia, Romero voiced support for that potential matchup, stating, “I think Devin and Ryan should get their rematch and make it a big one.”