Rolando “Rolly” Romero, the WBA light welterweight titleholder, is eagerly anticipating a potential fight with Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) in March or April 2024. Rolly is confident that this matchup will rank as one of the year’s biggest pay-per-view events, citing his own flair for promoting fights. Ryan recently made a comeback by defeating Oscar Duarte (26-2-1, 21 KOs) in the eighth round. Despite winning, Ryan’s performance indicated a mental unsteadiness and a lack of preparation for top-tier competitors.
Rolly, however, isn’t considered a top-ten talent by boxing fans, having won his title in a controversial fight against the older Ismael Barroso. His status as a “paper champion” makes him an ideal opponent for Ryan Garcia, who is perceived similarly in terms of boxing credentials. Rolly himself doesn’t believe Ryan deserves a title shot, criticizing Ryan for not mentioning IBF 140-lb champion Subriel Matias as a potential opponent.
Ryan’s choice of opponents and performance in his recent fight with Duarte has been subject to scrutiny, raising doubts about his abilities against more formidable boxers. Rolly Romero, despite his criticisms, is hopeful for a fight against Ryan Garcia, predicting it to be a major event in the boxing calendar of 2024. This matchup, however, is viewed skeptically by many in the boxing community due to the circumstances surrounding both fighters’ careers and recent performances.
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