OVER the past 48 hours, boxing has failed to deliver its usual spark.
Last night’s undisputed super middleweight title bout in Riyadh between Canelo Alvarez and William Scull was, at best, a letdown—more likely to send UK fans nodding off than leaping from their sofas in the early hours. The previous night, Times Square glowed with its trademark vibrancy, a boxing ring at its heart promising a thrilling spectacle. Yet, for the fans who gathered, the action fell flat, leaving much to be desired.
For the winners—Teofimo Lopez, Devin Haney, and Rolando Romero—a bright future looms, while Ryan Garcia, the evening’s biggest loser, faces tough questions. Who might this quartet face next? Boxing News explores the possibilities.
TEOFIMO LOPEZ (22-1, 13 KOs)
The WBO super lightweight champion retained his title with a solid points victory over mandatory challenger Arnold Barboza in Times Square. Despite his occasional outspoken antics, Lopez remains one of boxing’s brightest talents, showcasing the skill that makes him a standout at 140 pounds.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Fresh off his win, Lopez is a prime candidate for a unification clash. Before facing Barboza, he was linked with IBF titlist Richardson Hitchins, who is set to fight former Lopez conqueror George Kambosos Jr on June 14. A showdown with the winner this autumn—whether an all-New York battle with Hitchins or a rematch to avenge his 2021 upset against Kambosos—promises high stakes and serious fireworks.
DEVIN HANEY (32-0, 15 KOs)
Devin Haney secured a wide points victory over Jose Ramirez on Friday night, but the former undisputed lightweight champion’s safety-first performance was anything but electrifying. Known more for technical prowess than fan-friendly flair, Haney failed to win over new supporters in a bout that faded fast from memory.
WHAT’S NEXT?
At 26, Haney needs a fight to reignite his star power. A rematch with Ryan Garcia is off the table for now, leaving the WBA’s #4-ranked contender seeking a high-stakes challenge. Facing Rolando Romero or WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr could fit the bill, though selling Haney’s cautious style to fans remains a tough task.
ROLANDO ROMERO (17-2, 13 KOs)
Rolando Romero roared back into contention with a commanding win over Ryan Garcia, silencing critics who slated his lacklustre showing against Ismael Barroso. At 29, the newly crowned WBA Regular Welterweight champion is rightly soaking up the praise for toppling one of boxing’s biggest stars.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Armed with the WBA Regular Welterweight Title, Romero holds a bargaining chip. A clash with WBA welterweight contender Eimantas Stanionis, who previously faced Jaron Ennis, would test Romero’s newfound momentum. Alternatively, revisiting last year’s rumoured showdown with Blair Cobbs could ignite a fiery clash of egos in 2025.
RYAN GARCIA (24-2, 20 KOs)
Ryan Garcia’s career hangs in the balance after a turbulent return. Fresh off a 12-month doping ban, the “King Ry” faithful expected a triumphant comeback on Friday night, only to see him thoroughly outclassed by Rolando Romero, far from the elite level needed to challenge boxing’s best.
WHAT’S NEXT
At 26, Garcia urgently needs a winnable fight to rebuild his momentum. Blair Cobbs, with his brash showmanship, fits the bill as a foe Garcia could outshine. Alternatively, Jose Ramirez offers a solid test. While Garcia’s social media stardom keeps fans hooked, only a high-profile win will restore his credibility—though a Devin Haney rematch may wait until he’s back in the win column.
