As discussions surrounding a potential rematch between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney intensified, Rolando “Rolly” Romero unleashed an angry series of tweets directed at several figures within boxing; with Garcia as its focal point. Romero accused Garcia of dodging him and vented his frustration through some harsh language in response.
Romero stated, “Ryan is one of the biggest cowards in boxing. After we settled everything about rematching him he ran from our contract, getting scared away by fighting an underweight Barrios instead, preferring instead pillow-fisted opponents.”
He later suggested that Garcia understands how a fight between them would unfold. After calling out other fighters like Conor Benn and Devin Haney, Romero also criticized Manny Pacquiao, claiming the legend sought him out mainly for financial reasons, before returning his attention to Garcia.
In response to comments about Garcia’s doping controversy, Romero confidently claimed, “I’d fight Ryan even if he was on steroids and still beat him. He doesn’t even have to enroll in VADA; I’ll enroll myself and let him take whatever drugs he wants. If he wants to take Ostarine, testosterone, or even cocaine, it’s fine by me. Have fun.”
Before calling Garcia the “biggest coward,” Romero had referred to him as the “biggest joke.” He also countered Garcia’s excuses about limited preparation time for their fight by pointing out that Garcia had been training for an exhibition bout against Rukiya Anpo followed by another fight with Isaac Cruz prior to facing him.
Romero’s messages, often cryptic, did not specify the exact reasons for his outburst, but his anger appears connected to ongoing talks reportedly advancing toward a Garcia-Haney rematch. Though nothing has been officially confirmed, Devin Haney seemed open to a second fight with Romero after months of negotiation, including suggestions from Haney’s father about a matchup with Romero instead of Garcia.
Predictably, exchanges between the rival camps have spilled over to social media, reviving the heated back-and-forth reminiscent of the lead-up to their first meeting in April 2024.
Rolly Romero Escalates Tensions with Ryan Garcia and the Boxing Community
Just weeks before the highly anticipated Garcia-Haney bout, Romero experienced a tough setback when Isaac Cruz knocked him out, taking his WBA light welterweight title. It took Romero several months to return to winning form.
He capped off his comeback with an impressive victory over Ryan Garcia during the Fatal Fury event this past May, capturing the vacant WBA (regular) welterweight championship. Subsequently, Romero was elevated to full WBA champion after Jaron Ennis vacated the title.
Despite his recent success, Romero remains in a state of uncertainty regarding his future fights.
Last year, talks emerged about a potential matchup with Manny Pacquiao, but those discussions eventually faded. The WBA later mandated Romero to defend his title against mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov, presenting him with an opportunity to stay active in the ring.
However, Romero seems disinclined to engage lesser-known competitors.
Conor Benn, currently the undisputed WBC world welterweight number one welterweight contender from Britain was also mentioned by Romero during their discussion. Although Benn is interested in facing Romero at some point in his career, given that Zuffa recently signed him and that Regis Prograis awaits them, such a matchup seems unlikely in near future.