The much-hyped Fatal Fury fight card in New York’s Times Square was supposed to be a historic night for boxing—a spectacle blending the bright lights of Broadway with the sweet science. Instead, it landed with a thud. No crowd energy. No buzz. No atmosphere. Just empty air between punches.
Do I blame Turki Alalshikh? Not really. Hosting an event in one of the most heavily regulated and security-laden spaces in the world isn’t like booking a Vegas ballroom. The vision was bold, but the execution didn’t match. There’s a web of red tape behind the scenes we’ll never fully understand.
Still, I hesitate to pile on. This was a rare attempt to do something fresh in a sport that often chooses comfort over creativity. Sure, it flopped—but it’s better than another soulless card in an empty casino ballroom. Innovation is needed, even if it comes with growing pains.
In the ring, Teofimo Lopez salvaged the night with a blistering, dynamic performance. He looked sharp, fast, and aggressive—reminding the world why he was once the next big thing. A unification bout must be next. He’s ready, and he’s earned it.
That’s more than we can say for Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez—a fight that might go down as one of the worst in modern memory. Haney looked completely out of rhythm: jittery, hesitant, and emotionally off-balance. He got the decision, but it did more harm than good for his reputation. The confidence is gone, and the aura is fading.
Ryan Garcia wasn’t much better. Flat, listless, and confused, he trudged through a dreadful bout with Rolly Romero, who at least brought some fight to the ring. Garcia’s problems are no longer just mental—they’re physical and strategic. It’s time to hit reset on his entire training approach.
Bottom line: His Excellency tried something bold. It didn’t land. But I’d still rather see attempts at shaking up the sport than letting it rot in repetition. There’s a better version of this event out there—we just didn’t see it this time.
Let’s hope next time they get it right. Boxing needs more vision. It also needs better fights.
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