Boxing

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Presser Delivers Fireworks

By Steven Mayers

May 1, 2025

Yesterday’s press conference for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves was nothing short of a

spectacle. Teofimo Lopez kicked things off in a lucha libre mask, setting the stage for a chaotic

and fiery event. His opponent, Arnold Barboza, appeared focused and determined—though

possibly weight-drained. Both fighters officially weighed in today, with Lopez at 139.6 pounds

and Barboza at 139.8 pounds.

Bill Haney made his presence known, bringing his trademark bravado to the proceedings.

Flanked by his son, Devin Haney, and Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn, the trio was on hand

to promote Devin’s comeback fight following last year’s no-contest against Ryan Garcia in

Brooklyn on April 20, 2024. While Devin “The Dream” Haney emphasized he isn’t looking past

opponent Jose Ramirez, the looming rematch with Garcia—scheduled for October—was clearly

on everyone’s mind.

Ryan Garcia arrived in an oversized suit—a deliberate fashion statement—and brought verbal

jabs for both Haneys. He reiterated claims he’s made over the past year involving Victor Conte

and VADA, alleging a setup that led to his positive test for Ostarine. These claims remain

unproven.

In a heated exchange, Bill Haney directly questioned Garcia’s trainer, Derrick James, asking,

“Are you doing the weight cut this time, sir? You’re a legendary trainer—love you to death. But is

Derrick James doing the weight cut this time, so there’s no confusion?” James simply replied,

“It’s good.” Haney followed up: “Is Derrick James gonna make sure he’s clean this time?” James

stayed silent, pushing the microphone away.

The highlight of the event came when tensions between Bill Haney and Oscar De La Hoya

nearly erupted into a physical altercation. Haney challenged De La Hoya’s claim that all the

headliners for Fatal Fury in Times Square on May 2 are Golden Boy fighters. De La Hoya stood

up, buttoned his suit jacket, and was restrained by security as Haney rose from his seat and

gestured for him to approach.

The press conference delivered high drama, and all signs point to an explosive fight night. All

fighters appeared ready—and more than willing—to live up to the hype.

Aggressive Rivalry Ends in Unanimous Decision for Eubank Jr.

April 26, 2025

By Steven Mayers

Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn battled through 12 hard-fought rounds in front of a raucous,

sold-out crowd of 65,000 at Tottenham Stadium, with Eubank Jr. emerging victorious by

unanimous decision. All three judges scored the bout 116-112 in his favor.

From the very beginning, the night carried an electric energy. Chris Eubank Sr.'s surprise

arrival—stepping out of a luxury vehicle to a thunderous ovation—set the tone for a showdown

steeped in legacy and emotion.

This storied rivalry is far from over.

Benn came out swinging, clearly intent on scoring a knockout from the opening bell. He threw

with aggression, often wildly, loading up on nearly every punch. Eubank Jr., however, remained

composed and weathered the storm, landing cleaner, more precise shots as the fight wore on.

Though both fighters had their moments, neither was able to score a knockdown. The bout

turned gritty and at times resembled a brawl more than a technical contest. In the championship

rounds, Eubank Jr. took control, pressing Benn to the ropes and pouring on the pressure. He

abandoned his jab and opted instead for raw determination, trading blows with reckless

abandon.

Benn began to fade midway through the fight, his earlier intensity giving way to fatigue. While he

continued to swing for the fences, many of his punches missed the mark. Eubank Jr.’s accuracy

and ring control ultimately made the difference.

It was a clear and decisive win for Chris Eubank Jr., but Conor showed heart. Benn himself

acknowledged the close nature of the fight, saying, “I felt like it was close. I’m not going to say I

should’ve won—I need to watch it back.”

For Eubank Jr., the victory carried personal significance. With the win, he not only improved his

record to 35-3 but also defended his family name. His father’s long-standing rivalry with Nigel

Benn—Conor’s father—dates back 35 years, and the emotional walkout alongside Eubank Sr.

seemed to give the younger Eubank an extra edge.

Speaking post-fight, Eubank Jr. said of Benn, “Everything surprised me. I didn’t know he had

what he had in him.” The moment was made even more poignant given the strained relationship

between father and son, with Eubank Sr. having publicly criticized his son in the buildup to the

fight.

The two fighters were originally scheduled to meet in 2022, but the bout was canceled after

Benn failed two drug tests—later attributed to contaminated eggs. Saturday night marked the

culmination of years of tension, both personal and professional.

With a two-fight deal in place, fans won’t have to wait long for a potential rematch. And if this

bout was any indication, the next meeting promises even more fireworks.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

A Night of Explosive Fights in Times Square

Teofimo Lopez Jr. vs. Arnold Barboza Jr.: A Battle of Boxing Styles

Teofimo Lopez Jr.'s Explosive Power and Athleticism

Teofimo Lopez Jr. is a fighter known for his explosiveness and knockout power. His ability to

close the distance quickly, coupled with his devastating right hand, makes him one of the most

dangerous fighters in the lightweight division. Lopez's athleticism and quick reflexes allow him to

dictate the pace of the fight and deliver punishing blows when his opponent least expects it. His

victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko to claim the lightweight title was a career-defining moment, and

he will be eager to prove himself again in this upcoming fight.

Despite his power, Lopez's style can sometimes be inconsistent. His reliance on his power can

lead to lapses in defense, leaving him vulnerable to well-timed counterpunches. Lopez will need

to maintain discipline and avoid the mistakes that cost him in his loss to George Kambosos Jr.,

to succeed against a fighter like Barboza.

Arnold Barboza Jr.'s Tactical Approach

Arnold Barboza Jr. brings a more technical and measured style to the ring. Known for his slick

footwork, sharp jab, and intelligent boxing, Barboza excels at controlling the pace and frustrating

his opponents. His ability to outbox fighters with his crisp punches and defensive movements

makes him a tough opponent for anyone. However, Barboza is not known for his knockout

power, and he may struggle against Lopez’s explosiveness if he allows his opponent to dictate

the action.

Barboza will need to rely on his boxing IQ and stick to a disciplined game plan if he hopes to

neutralize Lopez’s power. Keeping Lopez at a distance and avoiding getting caught by his big

shots will be key to Barboza's success.

Fight Breakdown and Prediction

Lopez’s explosive power and aggression should give him the advantage in this matchup. While

Barboza is a skilled technician, Lopez’s ability to land damaging punches and his athleticism will

likely prove too much for the tactical boxer to handle.

Final Prediction: Teofimo Lopez Jr. by unanimous decision (116-112, 117-111 type scores).

Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez: A Tactical Master vs. Relentless Pressure

Devin Haney’s Precision and Technical Prowess

Devin Haney is widely regarded as one of the most skilled and complete fighters in the world

today. His exceptional technical ability, defensive acumen, and footwork make him a difficult

puzzle for any opponent. Haney has demonstrated his class by successfully defending his

undisputed lightweight title against the likes of George Kambosos Jr. and Vasiliy Lomachenko.

His boxing IQ and ability to control the pace of a fight will serve him well against the pressure of

a fighter like Ramirez.

That said, Haney’s chin has been tested in recent bouts, particularly after his battle with Ryan

Garcia, where he was dropped three times. Despite that, Haney managed to recover and finish

the fight on his feet. This upcoming bout, contested at a 144-pound catchweight, could work to

his advantage, but questions about his ability to withstand power punches remain.

Jose Ramirez’s Relentless Aggression

Jose Ramirez is known for his aggressive fighting style and relentless pressure. With excellent

stamina and a high-volume punching attack, Ramirez constantly moves forward, looking to

break down his opponents with body shots and left hooks. His toughness and ability to maintain

a fast pace make him a challenging opponent for anyone who prefers to box on the outside.

However, Ramirez’s defense has been criticized throughout his career. His tendency to come

forward without much head movement or lateral movement leaves him vulnerable to

counterpunches, particularly from slick boxers like Haney.

Fight Breakdown and Prediction

Haney’s ability to control distance and avoid unnecessary exchanges gives him a significant

advantage in this matchup. While Ramirez’s aggressive style could make for an exciting fight,

Haney’s technical superiority, accuracy, and counterpunching skills will likely lead him to a

dominant victory.

Final Prediction: Devin Haney by unanimous decision (116-112, 117-111 type scores).

Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero: Speed vs. Power in the Main Event

Ryan Garcia’s Speed and Knockout Power

Ryan Garcia has earned a reputation for his exceptional hand speed and devastating left hook.

His ability to land punches with lightning-fast reflexes allows him to dictate the pace of the fight

and land significant blows before his opponents can react. Garcia’s counterpunching ability,

combined with his knockout power, makes him a dangerous fighter who can end a fight in an

instant.

However, Garcia’s defense has been a consistent point of criticism. His reliance on speed and

power often leaves him open to counters, particularly when he closes the distance too much.

His footwork and head movement can be inconsistent, and his tendency to turn his back to

opponents in certain defensive postures could be risky.

Rolando Romero’s Aggressive and Powerful Style

Rolando Romero is a power puncher who thrives on aggression and pressure. He’s known for

his heavy hands and his ability to wear down opponents with non-stop forward movement.

Romero’s looping right hand can come from unexpected angles, making him a dangerous

fighter who can knock out his opponent at any moment.

However, Romero’s over-aggressive style often leaves him vulnerable to counterpunching,

particularly against skilled boxers like Garcia. His defense is a notable weakness, as he tends to

leave himself open when throwing wild punches.

Fight Breakdown and Prediction

Garcia’s speed and footwork give him a significant advantage over Romero’s wild aggression.

While Romero’s power will keep Garcia cautious, his tendency to leave himself open for

counters, particularly from Garcia’s left hook, makes it likely that Garcia will capitalize on his

mistakes.

Final Prediction: Ryan Garcia by knockout (rounds 7-9) or unanimous decision.

Conclusion: A Thrilling Night of Boxing in Times Square

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves on May 2, 2025, promises to be a night of intense, high-stakes

boxing in the heart of New York City. From the exciting undercard featuring Teofimo Lopez Jr.

vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. and Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez, to the explosive main event between

Ryan Garcia and Rolando Romero, this event will showcase the best of what boxing has to

offer. The stakes are high for each fighter, and with Times Square serving as the backdrop, this

will undoubtedly be an unforgettable night of action.

As the night unfolds, boxing fans will be treated to thrilling matchups and intense competition,

setting the stage for more exciting events to come later in the year, including the much-

anticipated rematch between Garcia and Haney in October.

Written by Steven Mayers

Boxing Analyst and Writer

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse