Instead of the usual Saturday night, it’s ‘Friday Night Fever.’ A former undisputed champion, a reigning titleholder, and one of boxing’s biggest superstars are all set to clash to decide who emerges as the best. On May 2, marking his return to boxing after a year-long suspension, Ryan Garcia will face Rolando Romero at Times Square. On the same card, Riyadh Season’s ‘Fatal Fury: City of Wolves,” Devin Haney will make his comeback against Jose Ramirez. Then Teofimo Lopez will defend his title against Arnold Barboza Jr.

For most fans, the spotlight is firmly on the Garcia-Romero duel. If Garcia wins, the path to the much-anticipated rematch with Haney becomes clearer. However, speaking during their face-off discussion, monitored by Chris Mannix, Garcia emphasized that he’s focused solely on the fight ahead. The conversation inevitably brought up the much-discussed sparring video between Garcia and Romero. Though several years old, the footage gained fresh traction as this matchup loomed. While Romero shared his version, Garcia didn’t hold back either, shedding light on what transpired some eight years ago.

Ryan Garcia: Opening up about the past

Actually, it was Ryan Garcia who first broached the subject. Looking at Romero, he said, “You actually should be thanking me for the success you’ve had in your career cuz you used me in that sparring match,” before adding, “You used those moments; don’t lie.” This inevitably prompted Romero to fire back, questioning Garcia’s popularity. Garcia, undeterred, insisted he had always been the ‘hottest prospect’ in the game. “But when I rose, though, when I rose, though, were you not bringing that back every time?” He asked.

It’s been eight years since Rolly Romero posted the sparring video on his YouTube channel. To Ryan Garcia, it remains ‘iconic.’ Why? Chris Mannix asked. What made the footage so special that Garcia would call it ‘iconic’? In response, Ryan Garcia claimed that the video has been running for so many years and has racked up over two million views. It resembled a hit sitcom like ‘Friends.’ Romero, however, had a different take. It seems the footage completely wore him out.

“Have you, when you see that video, has it ever bothered you over the years?” Mannix probed. “100% Yeah, it’s bothered me,” replied Ryan Garcia. However, he clarified that the impact had lessened over time compared to the early days of his career. Back when he was still making his name, the video frustrated him. Because he didn’t feel he performed poorly in the sparring session.

A chance to bury the past and create a new path forward

“It wasn’t even like something I felt that was so bad, you know? I felt like, uh, it was just like a regular sparring match, you know? He had a couple of good moments, but I felt like I sparred pretty good considering I was really low in weight at the time, but, um, you know, it did bother me,” Garcia said.

Now, with the May 2 fight against Romero, Garcia has the opportunity to put to rest the doubts that resurfaced after that sparring footage went viral.

A closer inspection shows just how critical this upcoming fight is for both their careers. Ryan Garcia faced heavy criticism following his loss to Devin Haney. To clean his slate, he now has a chance to prove he can beat a heavy hitter before a potential Haney rematch looms. As for Rolando Romero, whose career stalled after a brutal drubbing by Isaac Cruz last year, it’s a chance to put himself back on the map by defeating one of boxing’s biggest modern-day draws.

A bit of back-and-forth erupted when it was Romero’s turn to recall that day. But overall, it was playful banter. Unusually respectful between two fighters who have known each other for a long time.

What’s your take? Will Ryan Garcia finally shake off the ghost of that infamous sparring session and knock out Rolando Romero?