Ryan Garcia’s return to the boxing ring after a year-long doping suspension ended in disappointment, as he dropped a decision loss to Rolando “Rolly” Romero in Times Square on Friday night. Despite the hype and spectacle surrounding the event, Garcia appeared out of sorts and struggled to find his rhythm, leading many to question whether the year away had taken a deeper toll than expected.
Ariel Helwani Compares Garcia’s Showing to Jon Jones’ Flat Return in 2016
In the aftermath, MMA journalist Ariel Helwani weighed in with a sharp observation on The Ariel Helwani Show, drawing a striking parallel between Garcia’s sluggish performance and that of Jon Jones during his 2016 return bout against Ovince Saint Preux. Jones, who had his own PED controversy before returning, looked uncharacteristically cautious and lacked his trademark explosiveness—a sentiment echoed in how Garcia appeared under the lights in Times Square.
“For Ryan Garcia to have that performance after being accused of using PEDs in the Devin Haney fight… It definitely raises some valid questions from people. This performance was a total 180. It reminds me of Jon Jones. When he came back against Ovince Saint Preux, he did not look good, which caused people to start questioning what was really going on.”
For Ryan Garcia to have that performance after being accused of using PEDs in the Devin Haney fight… It definitely raises some valid questions from people. This performance was a total 180.
It reminds me of Jon Jones. When he came back against Ovince Saint Preux, he did not… pic.twitter.com/clApSvhgDd
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 6, 2025
While Helwani didn’t directly accuse Garcia of wrongdoing, the implication was clear: performances before and after a PED suspension tend to be scrutinized, especially when the difference is as stark as Garcia’s was between the Haney fight and the Romero bout.
Ryan Garcia reacts to recent loss
Following the loss, Garcia took to social media with a heartfelt statement. Reflecting on the past year and the Friday night loss, he expressed devastation at his showing but gratitude for making it back to the ring at all.
“First want to thank God for everything in every situation, I couldn’t do it tonight, I’m devastated and really sad that I fought the way i did. I just didn’t have it tonight felt off. I fought a lot to get here, as you know what I went thru [sic] last year was something a lot of people don’t come back from. So I can see a victory for me in that. Congratulations to Rollies, Hell of a dude and great hearted person wish you nothing but the best. I love you all and thank you for everything.”
First want to Thank God for everything in every situation, I couldn’t do it tonight, I’m devastated and really sad that I fought the way I did. I just didn’t have it tonight felt off
I fought a lot to get here, as you know what I went thru last year was something a lot of…
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) May 3, 2025
The loss to Romero further exposes a concerning truth about Garcia’s career trajectory. Despite his fame, he has yet to capture a full world title. His previous chance at the WBC super lightweight belt ended in controversy when he missed weight before beating Devin Haney, only to later test positive for Ostarine, nullifying the victory.
Against Romero, he had no weight issues or medical controversies—he was simply outboxed. With this loss, Garcia’s professional record now stands at 24 wins, two losses, and one no-contest. More importantly, it leaves the proposed Haney rematch in serious jeopardy, especially with Romero now emerging as the more credible challenger.