WBA Set to Order Romero – Giyasov Mandatory at 147

Mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov next in line at 147

Rolando Romero is expected to be moved into a WBA purse bid for a mandatory defense against Shakhram Giyasov. The timing comes as Romero publicly pushes for a unification with Devin Haney.

Veteran reporter Dan Rafael reported that letters are expected to go out this week to formally advance a purse bid between Rolando Romero and Shakhram Giyasov at welterweight. Once a purse bid is scheduled, the process sets firm deadlines and reduces a champion’s flexibility in pursuing alternate bouts.

The expected order arrives as Romero has publicly renewed calls for a unification bout with Devin Haney. After an extended period without targeting specific opponents, Romero this week directed his focus toward Haney and Ryan Garcia, pushing for larger events and higher-revenue fights.

Sanctioning rules allow a unification to take priority over a mandatory defense. If Romero secures a Haney bout before the purse bid proceeds, the Giyasov obligation can be postponed under WBA guidelines. That procedural detail gives added context to the current discussion.

Giyasov presents a legitimate competitive assignment at 147 pounds. He brings an accomplished amateur background, steady forward pressure, and power that has translated at the professional level. The matchup carries sporting risk even if it lacks the commercial profile of a Haney or Garcia event.

Haney reacted shortly after Rafael’s report circulated, posting on X, “All makes sense now!” The remark did not include a direct allegation, but it referenced the sequence of events as the WBA’s plans became public.

No official order has been issued yet, and no purse bid date has been announced. If the letters are sent as indicated, Romero will need to determine whether to proceed toward the mandatory defense or secure a unification that delays it.

The coming week should clarify the direction. Once the WBA formalizes its position, Romero’s next move will define the path forward at welterweight.