The countdown to the highly anticipated welterweight rematch between Ryan Garcia and Rolly Romero, set for May 2 at Times Square as part of the “Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves” card, has boxing fans on edge. This 12-round showdown for the WBA “regular” welterweight title follows their explosive first encounter on March 11, where Romero knocked out Garcia in the eighth round, leaving the “King” unconscious for over three minutes. With the stakes sky-high and tensions simmering, predictions from some of boxing’s biggest names—Floyd Mayweather Jr., Devin Haney, Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, and other insiders—are rolling in, offering a fascinating glimpse into what could be another blockbuster night. The debate is heating up on X under #RollyGarciaRematch, where fans are already dissecting every angle.

Ryan Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs), the 26-year-old Los Angeles native, is desperate to reclaim his standing after a turbulent 2024 marked by a failed drug test that overturned his win over Devin Haney and a brutal loss to Romero. Known for his speed, a 70.1-inch reach, and an 83% knockout ratio, Garcia’s left hook remains a weapon, but his defensive vulnerabilities—exposed in losses to Gervonta Davis and Romero—have raised doubts. Rolly Romero (17-2, 14 KOs), a 29-year-old Las Vegas brawler ranked No. 2 by the WBA at 147 pounds, enters with momentum after his knockout victory, boasting an 81% knockout ratio and a style that blends awkward angles with raw power. Their first fight ended in controversy, with Garcia’s camp alleging illegal hand wraps and the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) facing scrutiny for not stopping the bout earlier, setting the stage for a rematch charged with revenge.

The experts’ takes reveal a fight that could swing either way, with each prediction rooted in personal experience and analysis:

Floyd Mayweather Jr., Boxing Legend: Mayweather, who trained Romero and once clashed with Garcia over a sparring session in 2020, leans toward his protégé. “Rolly’s got that dog in him,” Mayweather told *FightHype* on March 12. “He proved it last time—Ryan’s fast, but he don’t respect Rolly’s power. If Rolly stays aggressive and don’t overthink, he’ll knock him out again, maybe in six or seven.” Mayweather’s bias toward Romero is clear, given their past, but his point about Garcia’s recklessness holds weight after the first fight’s eighth-round collapse.

Devin Haney, WBC Welterweight Contender: Haney, Garcia’s former rival who shares the May 2 card against Jose Ramirez, sees a path for Garcia to bounce back. “Ryan’s got the skills to win if he keeps his cool,” Haney said in a *DAZN* interview on March 13. “Last time, he got wild and paid for it. If he boxes smart and uses his speed, he can catch Rolly—maybe a stoppage in eight.” Haney’s prediction may carry a personal edge, given their 2024 no-contest, but his focus on Garcia’s technical edge is plausible.

Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, WBA Light Welterweight Contender: Cruz, who stopped Romero in March 2024, backs Garcia with a caveat. “Ryan can win if he stays disciplined,” Cruz told *BoxingScene* on March 10. “Rolly’s strong, but I beat him by pressing him—Ryan’s got the speed to do the same. I say Garcia by decision, 115-113, if he doesn’t get careless.” Cruz’s insight from defeating Romero adds credibility, though his underestimation of Romero’s power in their first fight suggests a close call.

Tim Bradley, Former Champion and Analyst: Bradley, a respected voice, favors Romero in a slugfest. “This is gonna be a war,” Bradley said on *ESPN*’s State of Boxing on March 11. “Ryan’s chin is a question mark after last time—Rolly’s got the power to exploit it. I see a knockout, Rolly in five.” Bradley’s analysis aligns with Garcia’s recent knockout loss, though he may overlook Garcia’s potential adjustments.

Coach Bullet, Romero’s Former Trainer: Bullet, who worked with Romero during his early career, is bullish on his ex-fighter. “Rolly in dog mode is unstoppable,” Bullet told *BoxingNews.com* on March 9. “He knows Ryan’s weaknesses—overconfidence and bad defense. Another KO, maybe round four.” Bullet’s familiarity with Romero’s style supports his prediction, but his bias as a former coach tempers its objectivity.

The Xverse is abuzz with fan predictions mirroring the pros’ divide. @RAYizLegenD posted on March 10, “Ryan’s speed will win if he stays focused—KO in 7,” echoing Haney and Cruz. @RJtheLifeCoach countered on March 11, “Rolly’s power is real—Garcia’s getting dropped again, round 6,” aligning with Mayweather and Bradley. @stop_n_look added, “Both could go down—this is a slugfest waiting to happen,” reflecting the fight’s unpredictability.

Garcia’s strengths—speed, reach, and 112 professional rounds of experience—give him an edge if he maintains distance and avoids reckless exchanges. His 83% knockout ratio suggests he can finish Romero, especially if he targets the body, as Cruz did. However, his defensive lapses, exposed by Romero’s 1,200-pound-force right cross, remain a liability. Romero’s awkward style and 81% knockout ratio make him a threat up close, but his technical deficiencies—seen in losses to Cruz and Davis—could be exploited if Garcia boxes smartly.

The establishment narrative, pushed by the WBA and promoters like Oscar De La Hoya, frames Garcia as the marketable favorite, with the rematch billed as a redemption arc. Yet this glosses over Romero’s proven ability to capitalize on Garcia’s mistakes and the NYSAC’s questionable oversight in the first fight, which allowed Garcia to continue despite visible wobbling. The WBA’s decision to sanction a title fight despite neither fighter being in their top 15 at 147 pounds reeks of commercial interest over merit, a point fans on X have slammed as “a joke.”

The predictions paint a picture of a razor-thin contest. Garcia could win by decision or late stoppage (Haney, Cruz, Terteryan) if he leverages his speed and learns from his last loss. Romero’s path to victory lies in a knockout (Mayweather, Bradley, Bullet) if he replicates his pressure and lands another big shot. The fight’s outcome may hinge on Garcia’s mental recovery—can he shake off the knockout trauma?—and Romero’s consistency—can he avoid overcommitting? With Haney vs. Ramirez and Lopez vs. Barboza Jr. on the undercard, May 2 promises a blockbuster night, but Garcia-Romero will steal the spotlight.