Ryan Garcia has opened up after suffering a crushing TKO defeat to Rolly Romero on Friday night—a loss that left him visibly emotional and ultimately captured on camera as he tearfully sat in the back of a van following the bout.
Garcia Reflects on Loss, Offers Praise to Romero
Ryan Garcia’s highly anticipated clash with Romero in Times Square ended in disappointment for the 26-year-old, who was dropped in the second round by a powerful left hook and struggled to regain his rhythm throughout the remainder of the contest.
Despite rallying to finish the fight, Garcia was thoroughly outworked, and the judges awarded a unanimous decision to Romero, who claimed the WBA welterweight title with scores of 115-112, 115-112, and a wide 118-109.
Ryan Garcia crying in the car after his loss to Rolly Romero#GarciaRomero #FatalFury pic.twitter.com/mABSKNvFJ7
— The 505 🥊 (@the505way) May 3, 2025
The video of Garcia’s emotional moment quickly circulated online, drawing concern and support from fans. Hours later, Garcia addressed the loss publicly via X (formerly Twitter), expressing his devastation while maintaining grace in defeat.
“First, want to thank God for everything in every situation,” Garcia wrote. “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 through last year was something a lot of people don’t come back from. So I can see a victory for me in that.”
Despite the loss, Garcia praised Romero, “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
Ryan Garcia’s Career So Far
Garcia’s boxing journey began at just 17, with a knockout debut in Tijuana. His flashy style and explosive hand speed made him an immediate fan favorite, leading to a deal with Golden Boy Promotions. Big wins over fighters like Romero Duno and Francisco Fonseca cemented his place as a rising star.
Despite being knocked down early, his 2021 victory over Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell was a career-defining moment. But his career soon faced disruptions — Garcia pulled out of a title eliminator against Javier Fortuna due to mental health reasons and suffered a hand injury that postponed a bout with Joseph Diaz.
Garcia eventually returned with wins over Emmanuel Tagoe and Javier Fortuna before facing Gervonta Davis in a blockbuster event in 2023. That fight ended with Garcia being stopped by a body shot in the seventh round — his first professional loss — and ignited debate over whether he had mentally quit.
Ryan Garcia hurts Oscar Duarte and he couldn't beat the ref's count! THAT'S IT!!! This fight is OVER!#GarciaDuarte | LIVE on DAZN pic.twitter.com/crQGUED6iP
— Golden Boy (@GoldenBoyBoxing) December 3, 2023
After changing trainers and bouncing back with a knockout win over Oscar Duarte, Garcia shocked many with a majority decision victory over Devin Haney in April 2024. However, the result was overturned after Garcia tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine. He was fined and suspended for one year..
With his latest loss to Romero, Garcia’s future remains uncertain. His talent is undeniable, but questions about discipline, focus, and mental resilience continue to surround him.