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Times Square: Why are Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez fighting tonight at historic plaza?
Three of American boxing's leading lights will compete on a stacked supercard tonight (Friday, May 2) in New York City, as Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez return to the ring.
The three men will face Rolly Romero, Jose Ramirez and Arnold Barboza Jr respectively at The Ring's Fatal Fury Times Square event, held in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
There is a serious claim to be made that such a trio of fights, if backed with a stacked undercard, could sell out Madison Square Garden three times over, just down 7th Avenue.
So why is it taking place in the middle of a commercial intersection and neighborhood, where Broadway meets 42nd Street, under the bright lights of a Big Apple spring night?
Here, DAZN News has everything you need to know about TImes Square, including why Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez are fighting there this May.
DAZNWhere is Times Square?
Times Square is located in the Midtown Manhattan area of New York City, and forms the intersection of three major roads within the borough, attracting vast footfall and traffic.
Forming a junction between 42nd Street, Broadway and 7th Avenue, it is synonymous with New York as a whole, famed for its digital billboards and tourist attractions.
One of the central hubs of the Broadway theatre district, it is also home to several iconic buildings, including One Times Square, formerly the headquarters of The New York Times.
Why is Fatal Fury taking place at Times Square?
The marquee choice of such an unusual venue for three blockbuster fights represents the latest move from The Ring and Riyadh Season boss His Excellency Turki Alalshikh.
In electing to set the three-fight card as just a trio of marquee matchups in a non-traditional arena or stadium venue, Fatal Fury Times Square can draw even more interest.
Effectively designed as a custom event specifically for streaming and television audiences, fans will be able to watch blockbuster battles unfold in front of an iconic backdrop.
For many, while the loss of gate receipts and other traditional aspects may raise eyebrows, the Fatal Fury Times Square show will specifically look to capture a moment.
Who will fight at Times Square?
Just three fights will take place at Times Square, with Ryan Garcia's headline bout against Rolly Romero the eye-catching bill-topper as the former returns from suspension.
Old rival Devin Haney was expected to face him in a comeback rematch, but that bout will have to wait, with the former instead slated to battle Jose Ramirez beneath instead.
Finally, Teofimo Lopez will defend the only major title on show, his WBO welterweight crown, against Arnold Barboza Jr, who defeated Jack Catterall to earn his spot here.
Will there be a crowd at Times Square?
Seemingly not - it appears that it will be an invite-only affair for Fatal Fury Times Square, with fighters and their teams, plus broadcast staff, media and others only in attendance.
Matchroom's Eddie Hearn addressed the lack of tickets earlier this year, stating: "It’s something in a location that is quite wild. In these unique locations, it’s not about the crowd.
"They’ll be focusing on the TV production and the look of it. It’s just about the whole experience. It was never the intention. It was never announced that there would be a crowd."
Have any other boxing events been held at Times Square?
No - Fatal Fury Times Square will represent a groundbreaking event for the sport of boxing, as it finds another new way to deliver for the biggest fight fans around the globe.
As a domestic showcase featuring some of America's most popular talents right now, the card will make history for sport as it opens up new avenues and possibilities.
Regardless of the outcome when the final bell sounds, one thing is for sure - it promises to be another blockbuster night of entertainment from the Big Apple.
