Rolly Romero Risks Being Left Behind as Garcia, Haney Move Forward

WBA champion faces mandatory pressure as unification talk moves elsewhere

Rolly Romero’s latest social media barrage comes at a moment when the welterweight picture is shifting around him. As Ryan Garcia turns toward Devin Haney, Romero risks losing control of the conversation.

Ryan Garcia has shifted his focus from Shakur Stevenson to a renewed push toward Devin Haney, even using “war” language to describe a possible rematch. That change redirects the conversation at welterweight. If Garcia is steering toward Haney, Romero risks becoming a side note in a rivalry that no longer centers on him.

Romero fired back on social media, accusing Garcia of ducking their rematch and taking shots at Haney, insisting he would knock him out if given the chance. Haney responded that the fight could have been made months ago and labeled Romero “desperate,” a reply that makes sense when the timeline is examined.

Garcia now holds a belt after beating WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on February 21st and is positioned to choose his next move. Romero, by contrast, has not fought since defeating Garcia on May 2, 2025 to capture the vacant WBA welterweight title in Times Square.

Romero’s win last year should have established control. Instead, there was no immediate defense and no visible push toward the mandatory challenger.

After beating Garcia, Romero pursued a fight with 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao, seeking a larger event rather than defending against mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov. When the Pacquiao bout failed to materialize, Romero did not turn back toward the required defense. That decision tightened his options.

Giyasov has already been passed over twice for his mandated opportunity. In May 2025, former WBA champion Eimantas Stanionis faced then-IBF champion Jaron Ennis in a unification. Later, when Garcia and Romero fought for the vacant WBA 147-pound title, Giyasov again was not placed in the mandatory slot despite his standing.

Agreeing to step aside again would mean a third delay of his title opportunity. There is little incentive for him to do that now.

Unifications take precedence under sanctioning body rules. A fight with Garcia or Haney would remove the Giyasov obligation. But those routes require cooperation from fighters who currently appear focused elsewhere.

That leaves Romero in a tough position. Without a unification or a voluntary step-aside from Giyasov, the defense sits in front of him.

A belt keeps its standing through defenses, and Rolly has not provided one. Boxing runs on performance and timing. Fighters who hesitate lose ground while the division keeps moving.