Ryan Garcia took a humble approach at last week's New York press conference to promote his May 2 battle with Rolando Romero, but today in Los Angeles he came out all guns blazing.

Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) and Romero (16-2, 13 KOs) will headline a Ring Magazine card in association with SNK Games, the creators of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves in a few weeks' time, with the event to take place in Times Square in New York City.

After his unanimous decision win over Haney in April 2024, Garcia failed two drug tests administered by VADA and had the result overturned to a no contest. Ostarine was the banned substance found in his system.

He was subsequently banned for a year by the New York State Athletic Commission. But now he's back, and finds Romero standing in the way of a rematch with Haney.

At The Mayan in LA, Garcia said: "As far as Rolly's concerned, it was actually supposed to be Pitbull [Isaac Cruz]. All I'm really worried about is whooping Haney's ass again, that's all I'm worried about, I'm not even looking to redeem myself, but just cement that bull---t Ostarine bull---t, which we know you [Haney] probably did set that up. Corruption as its finest."

Haney issued a rebuttal immediately.

He said: "How did you test positive? You took your punishment because you're guilty."

Romero sat back and listened to his adversaries jaw at each other without a care in the world. Asked for his prediction on his fight with Garcia, he said: "Tune in May 2nd."

Garcia had some fighting words for Romero, who he famously sparred eight years ago. That sparring session has been the unique selling point of their rivalry thus far.

"I'm not taking him lightly or anything, but everyone wants to see the rematch, that's where my mind is at," added Garcia. "Every fight is important. But I put Rolly to sleep with a left hook, that's what you'll see."

Romero expressed no concerns whatsoever about Garcia's left hook, however.

He said: "I'm not concerned at all about his left hook. I'll move the f--k out the way. He didn't make weight for his last world title fight, and he's not chasing a belt, so let's see [where his focus is]. I don't really got a game plan. I didn't have one when I whooped his ass [in sparring] eight years ago."