Times Square is always action-packed. A constant bustling of tourists and New Yorkers annoyed about having to get from point A to B while dodging tourists. Since New Yorkers needed something else to complain about, a boxing ring was set up in the heart of Times Square, drawing crowds not seen since New Year’s Eve.
Fatal Fury was a boxing event in Times Square that held 3 fights on the card; Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero, Devin Haney vs. Jose Ramirez, and Teofimo Lopez vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. The Ring Magazine, SNK, and Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, organized the event. The fight was promoted by former champion Oscar de La Hoya.
I was invited to attend a watch party at the luxurious Knickerbocker Hotel by the Lawlor Media Group and iVisit Media. The party was held in the St. Cloud Rooftop bar, which offers fantastic views of New York City.
The event was buzzing from the first fight to the last. At times, there was more action from the staff than what was being shown in the ring below. Bartenders and staff were busy slinging drinks and waiting on those in attendance all night, providing great service. On the big screens scattered throughout the rooftop bar, people cheered and critiqued the fighters.
It was a great inaugural boxing event for Times Square. By all accounts, it was a success with 250,000 pay-per-view units purchased. By the looks on people’s faces at St. Cloud, it was also an entertaining success. It will be interesting to see how future fights in Times Square are marketed. It will also be interesting after Fatal Fury’s success, if the quality of fighters will increase. It would be great to see one day a title fight in the heart of Times Square.
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