Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero has never been short on confidence or comebacks. After claiming a lightweight belt in 2021, Romero was stopped by the unbeaten Gervonta Davis in 2022. But he bounced back the next year, defeating Ismael Barroso for a 140-pound title. That run was cut short when he lost the belt by TKO to Manny Pacquiao protege Isaac Cruz in 2024.
Most recently, Romero defeated Ryan Garcia to win the WBA interim welterweight title at 147 pounds. Following Jaron “Boots” Ennis’ move up to 154, Romero was elevated to full titleholder setting the stage for what could be his biggest moment yet.
Possible fight with a legend?
“You know, it must be a blessing when legends are calling you out,” Romero said. “If a legend is asking to make a fight with you, that says something. And it’s not only because of the belt, it’s because I can sell the fight, too, and I’m on par with who he is. That speaks highly of how much potential I truly have.”
Romero attended Manny Pacquiao’s return bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where the 46 year old Hall of Famer fought Mario Barrios to a majority draw. Romero like many in attendance felt Pacquiao deserved the win.
“A legend is going to be a legend,” he said of Pacquiao’s performance, which came just a month after his International Boxing Hall of Fame induction. “It was a close fight, regardless not to take anything away from Mario Barrios. But I personally saw Pacquiao winning. A lot of people had Pacquiao winning. Barrios only clearly won the last three rounds. I feel like Pacquiao was winning the others, stealing some of them with these bursting moments to close rounds.”
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
