WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero says he is ready to lead the sport after last Friday’s wide decision win over Ryan Garcia in Times Square. Speaking at a media roundtable in Los Angeles, Romero insisted his game plan neutralised Garcia’s trademark left hook from the opening bell. “The second he threw one, he got dropped and never tried it again,” Romero said, referencing the round‑two knockdown that paved the way for scores of 118‑109 and 115‑112 twice.
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Romero, now 17‑2 with 13 knockouts, dismissed concerns about his two previous defeats to Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney. “Those losses can’t slow me down. Every time you think I’m gone, I come back again,” he said. He credited his jab to the body, “my money punch”, for systematically breaking down opponents and claimed moving up to 147 pounds has actually made him faster and more explosive.
Garcia, who fell to 24‑2, fought in what Romero called “survival mode” after tasting the canvas. Even so, Rolly said he is open to a rematch if public demand exists, though he doubts Garcia is “mentally ready.” The new champion prefers bigger targets at welterweight, name‑checking unified titleholder Jaron “Boots” Ennis and even suggesting Errol Spence Jr. as potential opponents.
For now, Romero is enjoying the spotlight. “Anything about me being the face of boxing, I agree with,” he said, stressing that only belts and legacy motivate him.
Image Credit: The Ring