Turki Alalshikh continues to prove why he is one of the most innovative and influential figures in boxing today. As a true visionary, he is bringing something to the sport that has never been done before—a mega fight in the heart of Times Square, New York City, on May 2nd. This event is set to be historic, not just because of the location but also due to the stacked fight card featuring some of the biggest names in the sport.

A Fight Card Packed with Must-See Matchups

Boxing fans are in for a treat with three major fights scheduled for the event:

• Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez
• Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr.
• Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando "Rolly" Romero

Each fight carries its own level of intrigue, but for me, Haney vs. Ramirez and Lopez vs. Barboza are the standouts.

Haney’s Comeback: Will He Be the Same Fighter?

Devin Haney’s return to the ring is one of the biggest storylines of the night. This will be his first fight since his dramatic battle against Ryan Garcia, and the question on everyone’s mind is whether he will be the same fighter after what he went through. Will he maintain his elite skills and composure, or will there be lingering effects from his last fight?

Teofimo Lopez Faces a Hungry Challenger

Teofimo Lopez will take on Arnold Barboza Jr., a fighter who has been calling him out ever since Teo became champion at 140 pounds. Barboza is coming off an impressive win against Jack Catterall, and he has been waiting for his shot against Lopez. This fight is a major test for both men—Lopez needs to solidify his place in the division, while Barboza is looking to prove he belongs at the top.

The Controversy Surrounding Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero

While Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero is an exciting matchup on paper, I have mixed feelings about this fight. First, I strongly believe that Haney vs. Ramirez should be the main event, as Haney is the reigning champion and has faced tougher opposition.

More importantly, Garcia’s recent suspension for steroid use should still be a major topic of discussion, yet it has been largely ignored. It’s absurd that during the press conferences, the media has focused on questioning Haney’s chin rather than pressing Garcia about his steroid scandal. How is it fair that the fighter who got up multiple times against an opponent on steroids is being scrutinized, while the one who tested positive is barely questioned?

That being said, from a competitive standpoint, the fight between Garcia and Romero should be entertaining. Both men have explosive power, and the matchup has the potential for fireworks.

Final Thoughts

May 2nd is shaping up to be a groundbreaking night for boxing, thanks to Turki Alalshikh’s vision and willingness to push boundaries. Hosting a major fight event outdoors in Times Square is unheard of, and it will be a spectacle unlike any other.

Despite my concerns about Garcia’s inclusion, this card is stacked with intriguing matchups, and fans should be in for a night to remember. Hopefully, this event sets a new precedent for big fights in unique locations, and more importantly, it delivers the action we all crave.

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