This Friday night in New York, Ryan Garcia will fight Rolly Romero at The Ring’s Fatal Fury: Times Square. But that isn’t all, as two more big fights are on the card: Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez and Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr.
The main card is set to air at 5:00 p.m. ET, with the ringwalks for the main event expected to begin at 8:00 p.m. ET. Here are my two best bets for Friday’s boxing card headlined by Garcia vs. Romero.
Teofimo Lopez by Decision or Technical Decision (-120)
On DraftKings Sportsbook, Teofimo Lopez is the favorite against Barboza Jr. at -250. Lopez is 21-1 and is on a five-fight win streak. Although Lopez has 13 knockouts in his boxing career, his previous four victories have come via decision. Lopez has a tough matchup against Barboza Jr., who has an undefeated 32-0 record.
Although both fighters stand at 5’9″, Barboza Jr. has the advantage in reach (72″ vs. 68.5″). Even though Lopez has the smaller standing reach, he has the necessary style to overcome that. Lopez is an aggressive fighter who uses his speed to his advantage to hurt opponents. Since moving up to the Super Lightweight division, Lopez is 5-0 and continues to evolve at just 27 years old. Since Barboza has never been finished, let alone beaten, it is wise to back Lopez to win this bout by Decision or Technical Decision at -120.
Ryan Garcia to Win in Rounds 7-12 (+180)
Ryan Garcia is among the best power punchers in the sport as he lands the seventh-highest power punches (84.6%). Garica is facing Rolly Romero and is making his first appearance since he fought Devin Haney in April 2024. Yes, Garcia is a -1100 favorite on DraftKingsSportsbook, but the better play is to get him to win in Rounds 7-12, which is priced at +180.
Garcia is 24-1 in his boxing career with 20 knockouts. Three of Garcia’s previous four victories have come in Rounds 7-12. Romero is a formidable opponent, and the last time he was finished was in the eighth round against Isaac Cruz. Garcia and Romero have sparred in the past and are familiar with each other. Both fighters have evolved since then, so it might still be a bit of a chess match to start. With Garcia’s tremendous power, he will eventually overwhelm Romero and finish the contest.
