Somewhere, quietly, Rolando “Rolly” Romero is clutching onto his newly won WBA super lightweight title.
The 27-year-old, after refusing to make the lightweight limit, recently moved up in weight to challenge Ismael Barroso for the vacant crown. Following his highly controversial ninth-round stoppage win, Romero (15-1, 13 KOs) wasted no time in calling out his next desired opponent.
Considering the popularity of Ryan Garcia, Romero would love the opportunity to knock the 24-year-old off his high horse. Although the pair haven’t engaged in contract negotiations, Calvin Ford is interested and optimistic that the two will meet up at some point this year in the center of the ring.
By and large, the renowned trainer knows both parties about as good as anyone. In May of 2022, Gervonta Davis, Ford’s star fighter, brutally stopped Romero in the sixth round of their showdown. Garcia though, received a more brutal beating at the hands of Davis earlier this year.
A jam-packed crowd at the T-Mobile Arena roared and stood on their feet as Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) dropped his man in the second round, before finishing him off in the seventh frame. Taking everything into account, Ford initially struggles with his prediction. However, after putting on his thinking cap, he acknowledges that Garcia may very well prevail in their hypothetical clash.
“I think Ryan is more solid than Rolly,” said Ford to ESNEWS recently.
Garcia’s durability has not only impressed Ford, but on the other side of the spectrum, Romero’s chin has been a bit questionable. In addition to being stopped by Davis, Romero’s opponents have continued to leave him on wobbly legs.
Just a few short months ago, while wearing protective headgear and bigger gloves, Romero was sent crashing down to the canvas during a sparring match against J’Hon Ingram, an up-and-coming super featherweight contender who just turned pro last year.
Also, most recently, Romero kissed the deck against Barroso before eking out a controversial victory. With Ford dubious that Romero can take a well-timed shot, not only does he believe that Garcia (23-1, 19 KOs) has more than enough power to take him out, but if Romero isn’t careful, his career could very well be truncated sooner than many are expecting.
“He been knocked out by Tank, he got knocked out in the gym, and then the old man knocked him down. Honestly, it’s a recipe for retirement.”