Two-weight world champion Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero has voiced his frustration at the current welterweight landscape, claiming rival champions are avoiding a fight with him.
The 30-year-old has not fought since the biggest victory of his professional career, a unanimous decision win over Ryan Garcia in May 2025 that saw him claim the WBA ‘Regular’ welterweight title after dropping Garcia in the second round of their Times Square clash in New York.
Despite emerging from the fight with serious momentum, and being elevated to full champion, Romero has not secured another marquee bout at 147lbs. Discussions over several major fights have failed to materialise, while the division’s other champions continue to pursue separate paths.
Devin Haney currently holds the WBO welterweight title and had reportedly been in talks for a unification clash with Romero before negotiations broke down. Elsewhere, Lewis Crocker recently captured the IBF belt and has a mandatory defenc against Liam Paro, while Garcia – now the WBC champ – remains one of the biggest commercial names in the division despite his defeat to ‘Rolly,’ and will likely defend against Conor Benn later this year.
Meanwhile, Jack Catterall added further intrigue to the title picture by defeating Shakhram Giyasov in Egypt last weekend to become WBA ‘Regular’ champion following Romero’s elevation to ‘Super Champion’ status by the sanctioning body.
Speaking to Seconds Out via Betinia NJ, Romero suggested his frustration has become so severe that he has jokingly started referring to himself as retired.
“I want to unify, none of them want to … I am currently a retired investor on a pension. I can’t even get a fight. The only champion in history that can’t get a fight. Five mega fights done ducked out.”
Catterall, however, may feel similarly about Romero, having publicly pushed for the fight while waiting for his own world title opportunity. The pair are now mandated to enter negotiations by the WBA, with Romero risking his championship status should he decide against facing the Brit.
