Boxing was trending across social media this past weekend but for all the wrong reasons. At the center of it was Rolando Romero.
At The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Romero won the vacant WBA super lightweight title by stopping Ismael Barroso. Barroso replaced champion Alberto Puello, who tested positive for illegal substances, which allowed Romero and Barroso to vie for the title.
The fight turned into a surprise showcase for the Venezuelan in Barroso, who scored a left-hand knockdown in the third round.
Underdog Barroso was up on all the cards entering the ninth round. However, referee Tony Weeks prematurely stopped the fight when both men were trading in the corner. Prior to being stopped Barroso actually scored with two hard right hands. Romero got the win to plenty of boobirds.
Following the bout, Romero called out various fighters to face him for 140-pound gold. While the crowd tried to drain him out with boos, Romero called out a well-known name.
MORE: Results, highlights from Romero vs. Barroso
“There’s only two fights I want,” Romero said. “There’s the rematch with 'Tank' Davis. But I think there’s a much bigger option. I want to go after Ryan Garcia. We can do it on Showtime PPV.”
Who should Romero fight next? Here’s a breakdown of his options for dance partners in the ring.
Will Rolando Romero fight Ryan Garcia?
A bout against Ryan Garcia would attract attention. Garcia lost via seventh-round knockout to Gervonta Davis in April in what was considered one of the biggest fights of the year. However, "KingRy" is still a huge name in the sport.
Garcia, 24, fought Davis in a 136-pound catchweight bout. Originally a lightweight, Garcia has expressed interest in competing at 140 pounds. Coming off a loss, a rebound fight against Romero for a title could entice Garcia.
And it is a fight that Romero has requested before.
“I mean, I think everybody’s asking for me versus Ryan right now, especially at 140. You know, we’re both at 140 now. And I think that’s the fight,” Romero told reporters via Boxing Scene. “You know, I think that’s a massive fight, and, you know, boxing needs that fight, you know? It has a long buildup – a long, long buildup.”
MORE: What's next for Ryan Garcia
A Romero vs. Garcia fight would require another collaboration between Premier Boxing Champions and Golden Boy Promotions. The organizations tirelessly worked together to create Davis vs. Garcia, but it wasn't all plain sailing.
Will Rolando Romero fight Gervonta Davis again?
The 28-year-old Romero is out for revenge against Gervonta Davis, who ended his undefeated streak in 2022.
Following the Barroso bout, Romero said that the Venezuelan hits "way harder" than Davis, even though "Tank" won via sixth-round TKO. While Davis didn’t respond to his comments, social media predicted another Davis win if the two fought.
With Davis looking to stay at lightweight, it is unknown if the rematch can happen. He is focusing on facing the likes of Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson.
MORE: Is Gervonta Davis the new face of boxing?
Should Rolando Romero and Ismael Barroso compete in a rematch?
Following one of the most egregious stoppages in modern boxing history, many would like to see Barroso petition the WBA for a rematch. At 40, the latter may not have another crack at gold.
“I think it was an injustice to stop the fight,” Barroso said through a translator.
With a career that started in 2005, Barroso has fought for a world title before but never reached the top of the mountain. This might have been his last shot unless he gets a rematch.
Given that Weeks or the Nevada State Athletic Commission refused to provide a statement regarding the finish, Barroso would appear to have a strong case.
MORE: What is a boxing purse bid?
However, Barroso told Boxing Scene that he doesn’t think Romero will accept another bout.
“I thought I was winning every single round,” Barroso said. “I felt really good. But then again, it’s the ref that has the power to make that kind of decision. All I can hope for now is to get the rematch and show what I’m worth once again.”
