THREE months on from his surprise victory in Times Square, New York, Rolando Romero has been upgraded from WBA (Regular) champion to a full world titlist, with Jaron Ennis’ title vacation becoming official.
Ennis, 34-0 (30 KOs), dominated and stopped the WBA champion Eimantas Stanionis inside six rounds to unify the IBF and WBA welterweight titles back in April. ‘Boots’ confirmed soon afterwards that his time at 147lbs was over.
Since then, it has been Las Vegas’ Rolando Romero, 17-2 (13 KOs), who has been widely expected to assume Ennis’ former position with the WBA, following on from Romero’s triumph over Ryan Garcia, 24-2 (20 KOs), on May’s Times Square card.
After dropping ‘King Ry’ in the second round, ‘Rolly’ comfortably outboxed his fellow American. A tentative Garcia appeared reluctant to attempt to alter the tempo and subsequent outcome of the contest, losing a unanimous decision.
Romero has received plenty of plaudits for his impressive and controlled display in that fight. The 29-year-old has now been officially rewarded for his efforts, with the WBA confirming him as their new welterweight world champion.
In recent weeks, Romero has been linked to a rematch with Garcia, whilst Jack Catterall has also now thrown his hat into the ring, as he continues his prolonged pursuit of world honours.
Meanwhile, the now vacant IBF welterweight world title will be up for grabs when Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan collide in a fierce rematch at Windsor Park, Belfast, on September 13.
