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Boxing in Times Square: Garcia vs. Romero to headline historic outdoor tripleheader tonight
Tonight (Friday, May 2) will see the first boxing match ever held outside at Times Square in New York.
The match, which will be headlined by bouts involving Ryan Garcia, Rolando Romero, Teofimo Lopez, and Devin Haney and broadcast live exclusively on DAZN PPV, is set to take place at one of the US’s most-iconic attractions.
But such a venue and location will bring with it many logistical challenges.
DAZNHow will the fight between Ryan Garcia and Roland Romero be set up?
It is still unknown exactly how Times Square will look, but His Excellency Turki Alalshikh revealed recently that a small venue of only a few hundred seats will be constructed.
These will be reserved for invite-only guests at the discretion of the new Ring Magazine boss.
It is also understood that screens will be placed on the outside of the venue to broadcast the fights for free to those who can squeeze into Times Square on fight night.
Expectations are high, Oscar De La Hoya, CEO of Golden Boy promotions, saying that he expects “half a million people, for free” to watch the historic card.
De La Hoya and Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn, who are promoting the bout together, said that they were confident it would be a success despite any confusion over the logistics.
Hearn said. “What you will see will absolutely blow your mind in Times Square."
Amanda Westscott
What type of security will be in Times Square this weekend?
The iconic location where Broadway meets 42nd street is one of the busiest pedestrianised areas in the world – being able to maintain a safe and secure environment for fans will be no easy task.
The coordination and cost of setting up adequate security measures surrounding the venue to control the crowds will be nothing short of a headache for the organisers.
Hearn does not underestimate the complexity of such an undertaking admitting that it has been a ‘big challenge’. De La Hoya admitted, in turn, that there had been considerable expense undertaken in putting together the venue.
What will the weather be like this weekend in New York?
Outdoor events are always hard to manage because of the weather. This weekend will be no exception.
Promoters like to control every aspect of an event. So, the threat of rain will be in the back of their minds. De La Hoya has already expressed his trepidations.
He explained: “One thing about us, we’re always a little sceptical of doing outdoor events. Because you never know – the rain, the weather.”
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Will there be fans at this weekend's fight between Garcia and Romero?
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has said that the event is about history rather than profit.
He wants to be the first to stage an event in Times Square. That would seem to be apparent by the lack of direct access for fans.
But audience or not, boxing’s Times Square debut promises to be a landmark moment for the sport.
Despite the challenges, the unique setting, star-studded fights, and ambitious vision could deliver an unforgettable night in the heart of New York City.
Watch two incredible fight nights this week only on DAZN
Fight fans are in for a treat this week, with two amazing fight exclusively DAZN PPV.
- May 2: Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero; Devin Haney vs Jose Ramirez; Teofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr.
- May 3: Canelo Alvarez vs William Scull
Fight fans can purchase either these fight nights individually for $59.99 US; £/€21.99 UK/IRE; $24.99 ROW per PPV or take advantage of the DAZN Knockout Weekend Bundle where both fight cards can be purchased for $90 US; £34.99 UK and €34.99 Europe.
