Rolly Dismisses Haney Fight; What’s Next?

Rolando Romero has dismissed a fight with Devin Haney, raising questions over his next steps. 

Romero defeated Ryan Garcia in his last fight to become the WBA Regular Welterweight Champion. He dropped Garcia in the second round with his left hook, making Ryan gun-shy for the rest of the fight. Romero defied the pre-fight criticism he had received based on his prior performances. Romero suffered stoppage losses to Gervonta Davis and Isaac Cruz. However, those fights were at 135 and 140, respectively, as Romero was much stronger at 147. 

The regular belt puts him in line to face the proper champion Jaron Ennis. Ennis stopped Eimantas Stanionis in his last fight to become the IBF, WBA, and Ring Magazine Welterweight Champion. However, Ennis’ aim is to become undisputed at 147, so Romero won’t be the primary target. That means Romero may look elsewhere, as he was asked about boxing Haney. 

Devin boxed on the same card as Garcia-Romero against Jose Ramirez. While he secured a unanimous decision win, his performance was slammed. Haney’s fight was the fifth-lowest on CompuBox in terms of punch output. This was despite Haney preparing for the fight with Shane Mosley, who backed Haney to stop Ramirez. Romero described Devin as a boring fighter, as he questioned whether he was the same after the Garcia fight. Ryan dropped him three times in a majority decision win, only for the result to get turned into a no-contest once Ryan failed VADA tests for Ostarine. 

Romero Reacts

“I haven’t thought that far ahead but definitely another PPV fight. Definitely another big name and we’re going to make a big fight because everything I always do is a big fight. I always find a way to make a big fight. Haney wasn’t a big fight to begin with. He wasn’t a big fight when he fought Ryan.

“And he’s definitely not a big fight after he just became a track star…Devin Haney had one exciting fight and that’s when he got his ass beat by Ryan Garcia. You know as a father, right, as his father I just felt like he needed a hug in that moment. I feel like he’s been shattered and it just takes a while to come back from that. And I feel like he just needs love again,” Romero said

If it is not Haney, Romero could target other names such as Brian Norman Jr. or Mario Barrios. Both boxers may be world champions, but they are not the biggest punchers, something Romero is. They are also with PBC, making it much easier to make those fights. Alternatively, Rolly could try to avenge his losses to Davis and Cruz if they can fight at a suitable weight class.