Rolando Romero is happy to be fighting Isaac Cruz despite the Ryan Garcia fight breaking down.
Romero was in talks to face Garcia after the latter withdrew from talks to take on Devin Haney. That would have been Romero’s second biggest fight following his loss to Gervonta Davis. Both sides appeared keen, given that Garcia would have the chance to fight for the WBA Junior Welterweight Belt, while Romero would get a big payday.
However, Oscar De La Hoya stated Romero priced himself out, while Garcia was confident that the fight would go ahead on April 20, 2024. But it all broke down, leaving Romero to face Cruz. He will be the co-main event attraction on the Keith Thurman vs Tim Tszyu card, PBC’s first PPV on Amazon Prime Video on March 30. By the looks of it, Romero is ready to make a statement.
Romero’s Return
“I’m just happy to kick off Amazon Prime. This is probably the biggest and the best move for boxing. It’s going to bring in a lot of viewers. Amazon is the biggest company in the world, and I’ve even blessed to have them backing me. It was always going to be me, the A-side.
“I’m the champion. Everyone is disappointed that I’m fighting Pitbull Cruz, but isn’t Pitbull Cruz the more difficult fighter, a stronger fighter, a more durable fighter, a more exciting fighter [than Ryan Garcia]? It just shows that I have the courage, going after Pitbull Cruz [rather than fighting a 140-lb contender]. Boxing needs me,” Rolly said
Nevertheless, there is always a chance that Romero gets the Garcia fight later. De La Hoya has already spoken about his desire to make the fight with the winner of Romero vs. Cruz. But Cruz is no pushover, given that he went the distance with Gervonta Davis.
He would ultimately lose a unanimous decision, but that has been his only loss. But it will be a tough test, given that he has his first fight at 140. Romero is already used to fighting at 140, making it a tougher test for Cruz. Although that may be the case, Cruz has never been stopped in his career. And Cruz is also looking to face Garcia himself.
Cruz On Garcia
“Ryan Garcia for two years has called out Isaac Cruz, talked sh!t about him and talked about Cruz ducking people but Ryan should know more than anyone, boxing is a business. You’re fighting for a prize, to entertain people but to get paid. Everybody knows along the way it’s about timing and all of sudden things have lined up perfectly.
“We come to the realization that Manny Pacquiao wants to see Isaac Cruz fight Ryan Garcia, Floyd Mayweather wants Ryan Garcia to fight Rolly Romero but the fight that needs to be made is Ryan vs Pitbull. Styles make fights. A lot of good discussions have happened between everybody and we hope something comes out of it. April is the month that Ryan is returning to the ring and Pitbull is ready, he is training and is good to go. It’s not about titles or weight class, it’s about fights people want to see,”Sean Gibbons (Cruz’s promoter)
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