The WBA has ordered Rolando Romero to make a mandatory defense of his welterweight title against unbeaten Uzbek contender Shakhram Giyasov, even as Romero continues negotiations for a high-profile clash with Manny Pacquiao. The sanctioning body announced the ruling on Monday, citing that Romero’s defense deadline had already expired.
“Romero must defend [his title] within 120 days from the date of acquisition,” the WBA stated, referencing Championship Rule C.11. That period ended on September 1, prompting the committee to issue a mandatory bout notice. The WBA further noted that no non-mandatory fight can take place within 60 days of a lapsed defense period, potentially complicating Romero’s plans for a Pacquiao bout in early 2026.
Watch Garcia vs. Romero highlights: Watch
Romero won the belt in May with a stunning unanimous decision over Ryan Garcia, scoring a knockdown and taking control of the fight from the early rounds. The win earned him the secondary WBA title before he was later upgraded to full champion following Jaron “Boots” Ennis’ move to junior middleweight. Since then, Romero’s team has pursued the lucrative Pacquiao matchup, rumored for January in Las Vegas.
Giyasov, the 2016 Olympic silver medalist, became the inherited mandatory challenger after Ennis vacated the title. The 32-year-old has been waiting on his shot since earlier this year, when the WBA’s plans to schedule Ennis-Giyasov fell through following Ennis’ decision to change divisions.
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing