ROLANDO Romero believes he will become a pay-per-view star of the super-lightweight division.
On Saturday night The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas will stage Romero’s shot at a vacant world title against veteran Ismael Barroso.
Romero 14-1 (15) suffered his first defeat last time out against Gervonta Davis at a sold-out Barclays Centre in Brooklyn 12 months ago. The 27-year-old gained respect for his performance that gave ‘Tank’ problems early on. Romero has now left the lightweight division for a potentially more exciting weight class five pounds higher.
“I’m going to make 140-pounds the most popping division in boxing. I see many pay-per-view events and I’m involved in all of them,” he said at Thursday’s final press conference.
Romero’s brash personality added to a fiery build-up for his fight against Davis. The defeat, he says, taught him one lesson.
“The only thing that I learned from the Gervonta Davis fight is that I need to be patient. Patience is everything in life.”
The polarising character of ‘Rolly’ and what comes with him will rarely depart but he gave respect to Barroso 24-3-2 (22) after original opponent Albert Puello was pulled from the fight. Last month it was revealed the Dominican had failed a performance-enhancing drug test for the banned substance clomiphene, the same substance that Conor Benn tested positive for before his October 2022 bout against Chris Eubank Jr.
“I think Barroso is actually a better fighter than Alberto Puello, because he can actually crack. Any time you’re in a fight with a puncher, you know it’s gonna be difficult,” said Romero.
“I do like trash talking, but this isn’t a trash talking fight. I have to respect this man next to me. Someone didn’t want to follow all the rules, so I have to be grateful Barroso is here.”
Barroso, who turned 40 in January, has had nearly twice as many fights as Romero and his professional boxing career started in August 2005, two months before his next opponent celebrated his 10th birthday.
“I’m churning with the same intensity that I had 10 years ago. You’re going to see that hunger and power in the ring. I’m bringing my best,” said the Venezuelan.
“People who know me, know that I’m a warrior. ‘Rolly’ is a warrior too. So, if you’re tuning into this fight on Saturday night, you’re going to see a battle between two fighters who are very eager to become world champion. That means fireworks.”
British fight fans will remember the heavy-handed Barroso for his exciting fights against Kevin Mitchell and Anthony Crolla in 2015 and 2016. His UK record is won one and lost one. Since then, the former champion has suffered two defeats in seven fights taking him from Latvia to Hollywood.
“The lesson I’m here to show is that it doesn’t matter how many times you fall down, you have to keep getting up and battling every single moment. Because dreams can come true. Keep striving for whatever you want, no matter how old you are.”
