Rolando “Rolly” Romero says he’s ready to replace Gervonta “Tank” Davis and save Jake Paul’s canceled November 14 Netflix event even if it means jumping up several weight classes to do it.
The outspoken WBA welterweight champion volunteered himself after Paul’s planned exhibition with Davis fell apart due to new domestic violence allegations against the unbeaten three-division titlist. Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions officially pulled the plug on the Miami card following the lawsuit’s filing in Miami-Dade Civil Court.
“The GOAT at welterweight? I’m about to be the GOAT at cruiserweight,” Romero declared during an Instagram Live session. “Me and Jake Paul, we’re fighting in two weeks. I think Jake Paul’s scared of me. I’m going to cruiserweight. Rolly’s big now anyways. Jake Paul gets knocked out cold by me.”
While Romero’s offer has drawn attention, the event is expected to move to December, and MVP has yet to confirm a replacement opponent. Names like Terence Crawford, Ryan Garcia, Francis Ngannou, and Logan Paul have all surfaced, though none appear finalized. Crawford is reportedly targeting a March return, Garcia is restricted by DAZN contracts, and Ngannou was displeased with MVP’s approach.
Romero also currently faces his own obligations. The WBA has ordered him to negotiate a mandatory title defense against Uzbekistan’s Shakhram Giyasov before November 13. Still, Romero’s attention remains fixed on high-profile names. “Ryan Garcia wasted six months of my life,” he said. “We had a rematch clause and everything, but he got scared and didn’t want to fight me.”
Romero, who once shared controversy similar to Davis’s current situation, has since rebuilt his career, winning two fights since his loss to Isaac Cruz and capturing the WBA 147-pound title. Now, with Davis sidelined and Paul searching for a new opponent, Romero sees an opportunity to make a statement.
“I want everybody to know that I’m gonna slap Jake Paul across his face,” Romero said. “I’m tired of this YouTube boxing stuff. I really am. I will slap Jake Paul across his face.”
Image Credit: PBC