Rolly Romero has been upgraded to WBA “Super World Champion” at welterweight despite not having fought for a year and currently having no fight date scheduled.
The move changes the stakes for Saturday’s fight in Egypt between Jack Catterall and Shakhram Giyasov, as it was originally set for the WBA “regular” title, and now will be contested for the full WBA welterweight championship.
According to the WBA, the decision came after a formal request from Romero’s team and a review of his run as a three-division champion. The organization said its rules allow the Championships Committee and WBA President to designate Super Champions under exceptional circumstances.
Romero has won two straight fights since his stoppage loss to Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, beating Manuel James and Ryan Garcia across junior welterweight and welterweight.
The WBA has also ordered Romero to face the winner of Catterall vs. Giyasov within 180 days after their fight. That means Saturday’s winner should have a clear path toward a unification-style meeting with Romero, unless boxing politics get in the way again.
Image Credit: PBC