The eagerly awaited rematch between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney is taking shape. Both boxers now have opponents for their interim bouts in May 2025, which should pave the way for their planned rematch.
Garcia will take on former semi-welterweight world champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero, while Haney will face Jose Ramirez. The announcement was made by boxing promoter Turki Al-Sheikh. The event will be organized under the “Ring Magazine” banner, independent of Al-Sheikh’s “Riyadh Season” projects. Details of the venue and exact date will be announced at a later date.
Garcia: Return after doping ban
Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 knockouts) has not been in the ring since his controversial fight against Haney in April 2024. Although he originally won a majority decision, the result was changed to a no-contest following a positive doping test for Ostarine. Garcia received a one-year suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission, which ends on April 20, 2025. He originally planned to fight an exhibition bout in Japan at the end of 2024, but had to cancel due to a hand injury. Instead of Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, who was originally being talked about, Garcia will now face Romero (16-2, 13 knockouts), who most recently bounced back with a unanimous points win over Manuel Jaimes in September.
Devin Haney (31-0, 15 knockouts) has also not boxed since the fight against Garcia. Although he initially remained WBC champion in the semi-welterweight division, he later relinquished the title and was named “Champion in Recess”. His opponent, Jose Ramirez (29-2, 18 knockouts), once a double world champion, lost his 2021 world titles to Josh Taylor. After three wins in a row, he was last defeated on points by Arnold Barboza in November.
Bakole vs. Ajagba: Heavyweight clash on the undercard
The event will also feature a heavyweight bout between Martin Bakole and Efe Ajagba. The bout is considered an IBF eliminator, meaning the winner could become a future challenger to reigning IBF World Champion Daniel Dubois, who will defend his title against Joseph Parker on February 22. Bakole (21-1, 16 knockouts) is unbeaten since his loss to Michael Hunter in 2018, including an early win over Jared Anderson in August. Ajagba (20-1, 14 knockouts) has reeled off five straight wins after his loss to Frank Sanchez, most recently defeating Guido Vianello on points.
The event promises to be a high-caliber boxing event with exciting duels in several weight classes. Fans can look forward to a highly anticipated warm-up for the potential Garcia-Haney rematch, while Bakole and Ajagba will be looking to underline their heavyweight ambitions.
Text by Robin Josten