Bring In The New Gear: NYC’s Times Square To Host Outdoor Boxing Bouts
Friday, February 28, 2025 at 04:25PM By Barry Janoff
But on May 2, a trio of fights are scheduled to take place about ten blocks north in Times Square, where the only ring associated with the iconic location is when people ring in the New Year.
“Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves,” is being presented by Ring Magazine in collaboration with SNK, creators of the Fatal Fury videogaming series, and General Entertainment Authority, which regulates the entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia.
The planned triple-header is scheduled to feature Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando "Rolly" Romero in the main event, a co-main event with Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez and Ann opening bout between Teofino Lopez and Arnold Barboza Jr.
Details were not given on the specific location in Times Square regarding placement of the ring and configuration of seating.
However, according to the organizers, “Boxing fans will have the opportunity to witness the monumental event on pay-per-view, ensuring those who aren't able to be at Times Square for the card can catch all the action from the comfort of their own homes.”
Turki Alalshikh, chairperson of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, this past November purchased Ring Magazine, founded in 1922 and known as the “Bible of Boxing,” from boxing Hall of famer-turned promoter Oscar De La Hoya, who had owned it since 2007.
De la Hoya — who represents Garcia, Ramirez and Barboza — posted to social media that the event “will be free entrance for the unlimited fans in Times Square, New York.”
This will be the second scheduled boxing event among Ring Magazine, SNK and the General Entertainment Authority.
The first is scheduled for April 26 with Chris Eubank Jr. facing Conor Benn in London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Alalshikh and General Entertainment Authority are also overseeing a scheduled bout between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford Sept. 13 in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, the first boxing match in the home venue of the NFL Raiders.
“This landmark event (in Times Square) will not only honor boxing’s storied past but also redefine its future by bringing the raw energy of the ring to one of the most iconic locations in the world,” Alalshikh posted to social media.
“Ring Magazine is not only paying homage to its legendary roots, but also pioneering a new era of sports entertainment, blending tradition with innovation.”
The event comes as TKO Group Holdings, which includes WWE, UFC and PBR, said it is “close on an agreement with the Saudis on the creation of a boxing league.”
“TKO would be the producer, the promoter and responsible for all day-to-day operations of the venture, whereby we would receive a fee of $10 million-plus,” TKO Group Holdings COO Mark Shapiro said during a conference call with investors this week.
"We're not putting any money in, we're not putting any capital in, we're not on the hook for any (costs).”
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves videogame is scheduled to launch April 24 for PS5, PS4, Xbox and PC.
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