Shock Garcia loss scuppers Haney rematch

A planned rematch with Devin Haney was halted due to Rolando Romero’s shock points loss to Ryan Garcia at New York’s iconic Times Square.

American Garcia, 26, outboxed in the majority of the welterweight fight after being dropped by a left hook in the second round.

Underdog Romero, 29, was deservedly awarded a unanimous decision with scores of 115-112, 115-112 and 118-109.

Garcia said, “A whole year took a lot of my body, both physically and mentally,” adding that he would now return to the drawing board.

Before that, Haney, 26, won against fellow American Jose Carlos Ramirez in a unanimous but underwhelming matchup.

In a forgettable 12-round contest, neither fighter boxed on the back foot.

An overly cautious Haney, who was let down by Garcia three times last year, never really got going in a subpar performance after a year of layoff.

He avoided his jab because single shots were sufficient to elude the rounds and circled around the ring to land the sporadic lead left hook.

Defensively, Haney gave a strong performance, largely due to Ramirez’ lack of gun control.

The judges scored it 119-109, 119-109 and 118-110.

Former undisputed light-welterweight champion Josh Taylor of Scotland, who claimed on social media that Haney appeared “terrified” and “frantic,” was the best summed up the fight.

Haney-Ramirez sabotaged the “Big Apple’s” energy and vibe, but the headline drama’s early drama brought the mood back.

Garcia was floored by a stinging double left hook by Romero. Before Garcia could get his senses back, he later followed with a clubbing after a flush and hurtful punch.

Romero won the matchup by using the jab more effectively, combined with Garcia’s tentativeness, with both fighters unwilling to overcommit.

Before the championship rounds, Garcia was instructed to “get busy,” according to trainer Derrick James.

A ring was built in the middle of the city’s iconic landmark in a first for the sport.

In distinctive vehicles, including classic yellow cabs and monster trucks, were fighters sped through New York traffic. Garcia arrived in a Batmobile.

They entered the ring at a leisurely pace for no more than 30 seconds after moving up a short runway.

Outside the venue, viewers could watch the action unfold on screens.

The iconic high-rise buildings, dazzling neon signs, and LED advertising made up the famous backdrop for about 300 invited guests, including boxing legends Mike Tyson and Roberto Duran.

This extraordinary event may point to the future.