Ryan Garcia to headline Saudi-backed boxing card in New York’s Times Square

• Saudi-backed card in Times Square to be held on 2 May
• Garcia to return from suspension against Rolly Romero
• Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez will also fight on card

Saudi Arabia's extension of its soft power through boxing has reached across the ocean into the heart of New York City. On Friday, Turki al-Sheikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, which regulates the kingdom's entertainment industry, announced a blockbuster fight card to be staged in Times Square on 2 May.

The main event will feature Ryan Garcia (24-1-1 NC, 20 KO) against Rolando Romero (16-2, 13 KO). Garcia has not fought since his controversial bout with Devin Haney last May in New York, a fight he initially won via unanimous decision but was later overturned following a failed drug test. Now back in the ring after a year-long suspension, Garcia is aiming to rebuild his reputation and set up a potential rematch with Haney later this year.