Rolly Romero might just keep chasing the big fights until he finally lands the one that defines his legacy. Looking back, the 2022 version of Rolly probably never imagined the path ahead. After his sixth-round TKO loss to Gervonta “Tank” Davis, he humbly admitted, “I lost to the better man that night… I will work hard to get back to the top with the goal to become a champion.” True to his word, he worked his way back and claimed the WBA (Regular) welterweight title after a statement win over Ryan Garcia at the Fatal Fury event on May 2nd in Times Square. Naturally, the next big question followed, who’s next? His answer was none other than Manny Pacquiao.
But not long before calling out Pacquiao, Rolly made waves in an entirely different way. In a post-fight interview with Fight Hub TV, he threw out an unexpected challenge to David Benavidez. “I want to fight Benavidez,” he said, prompting interviewer Marcos Villegas to double-check if he was serious. Rolly confirmed that he meant the ‘Mexican Monster.’ Now, while fans were still wrapping their heads around that bizarre callout, Manny Pacquiao’s camp offered something far clearer: a rejection. But now, it seems Rolly Romero is having a hard time bouncing back from the sting of rejection. Why?
No win? No problem. Manny Pacquiao still has a challenger waiting in the wings
Just hours ago, WBA champion Rolly Romero was caught in the heart of Las Vegas by none other than The Schmo. On the bustling streets of Sin City, the conversation quickly turned to what’s next for the newly crowned champ. “So, you’re on top of the mountain. You’re on top of the world right now. What’s next for Roly Romero?” the Schmo asked. Without hesitation, Romero flashed a grin and said what he’s been saying for weeks now. “Manny Pacquiao.”
The Schmo kept the momentum going, asking, “Does Pacquiao get the [Mario] Barios and get the WBC welterweight championship?” But Romero didn’t blink and gave an unexpected offer. “Ah, none of that matters. I’ll still fight him [Manny Pacquiao],” he replied, brushing aside titles and rankings like they were background noise. Romero doesn’t care about belts. He wants to fight the only eight-division champion in boxing history. “That’s who you want next, Manny, the Pac-Man Pacquiao. 46 years young, always sipping on the fountain of youth,” the Schmo said, almost amused by Romero’s persistence.
Romero wasn’t backing down. In fact, he praised Pacquiao, saying, “I mean, he’s still fast. He look really fast right now. He looks really, really fast right now. No?” His take stood in stark contrast to that of former champ Paul Malignaggi, who questioned Pacquiao’s physical condition. “I highly doubt he’s going to show up not juicing. There’s no way at 46 years old, having taken the damage he’s taken, he can show up clean to this fight,” Malignaggi recently claimed. But Romero didn’t bite into that skepticism. Neither did The Schmo, who seemed to be leaning toward Romero’s optimistic view.
Boxing: Pacquiao vs Ugas, Aug 21, 2021 Las Vegas, Nevada Manny Pacquiao is pictured before the start of a world welterweight championship bout against Yordenis Ugas at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports, 21.08.2021 21:09:21, 16621698, Manny Pacquiao, Boxing, T-Mobile Arena PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStephenxR.xSylvaniex 16621698
Then, as the conversation veered toward recent ring drama, The Schmo asked whether Romero’s performance effectively shut down talks of a Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney rematch. Rolly answered without hesitation. “I don’t think anyone’s been asking for that rematch after Devin’s horrible performance and Ryan being completely outclassed.” In Romero’s mind, he’s moved on. And he believes the rest of the boxing world has too.
But here’s the catch. While the 29-year-old beams with excitement at the thought of sharing the ring with his idol, his dream fight might be more of a solo fantasy. How so?
Rolly shoots his shot, Manny Pacquiao dodges… with a shrug
In a recent chat with Fight Hype, just a day after Rolly Romero’s bold callout, the media tried to gauge Manny Pacquiao’s interest in the matchup. His response? A simple, puzzled, “Who?” When the reporters clarified, Manny Pacquiao didn’t even blink. Instead, he continued shadowboxing, clearly unbothered and showing zero interest in acknowledging Romero. Still, that lack of attention hasn’t shaken Rolly’s confidence one bit.
The 29-year-old WBA titleholder just a few days ago went live on Instagram while casually dining solo at a restaurant. Between bites, he fielded fan questions and reaffirmed his target. “There’s a lot of options for me, man…I’m going to fight the winner of Pacquiao-Barrios.” To Romero, his victory over Ryan Garcia at the Fatal Fury event was a green light to chase any name he wants, even if that name is barely looking his way.
What’s even more interesting? “I’m not going to be put in undisputed. I don’t want to be undisputed. I want Pacquiao next,” he said with conviction. With that said, will Manny Pacquiao give Rolly Romero the time of day and take the fight in 2025? Or is Romero calling for a battle that the boxing legend has no reason to entertain? What do you think?
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