\n<\/p>\n
Organisers in Saudi Arabia were lining up the rematch for later this year, as long as Haney and Garcia won.<\/p>\n
After a year lay-off, an overly cautious Haney, who was dropped three times by Garcia last year, never really got going in a below-par showing.<\/p>\n
He circled around the ring, landing the occasional lead left hook, but neglected his jab as single shots did enough to edge the rounds.<\/p>\n
Defensively, it was a sound performance by Haney, largely because gun-shy Ramirez did so little.<\/p>\n
The judges scored it 119-109, 119-109 and 118-110.<\/p>\n
The bout was best summed up by Scotland’s former undisputed light-welterweight world champion Josh Taylor, who said on social media that Haney looked “terrified” and “frantic”.<\/p>\n
Haney-Ramirez sapped the ‘Big Apple’ of its energy and vibe but the early drama in the headline bout lifted the mood.<\/p>\n
Romero landed a stinging double left hook to floor Garcia. It was a flush and hurtful punch which he later followed with a clubbing right before Garcia regained his senses.<\/p>\n
With both fighters unwilling to over-commit, Romero edged the rounds with better use of the jab, coupled with Garcia’s tentativeness.<\/p>\n
“Get busy,” trainer Derrick James pleaded with Garcia before the championship rounds.<\/p>\n
The pep talk had no impact as Romero landed a combination to head and body in the 11th. Haney, now ringside, was left shaking his head at the final bell.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n