Two months ago, Dave Schmulenson, better known as ‘The Schmo,’ asked Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, “What’s next for Rolly Romero?” Just weeks earlier, Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero had derailed Ryan Garcia’s comeback dreams. And Romero’s answer? “Manny Pacquiao.” It didn’t seem to matter whether Manny Pacquiao claimed the title from Mario Barrios or not. Perhaps Romero’s confidence stemmed from his unanimous win over Garcia, a fight in which he knocked down his former sparring partner. But a hard look at the Pacquiao vs. Barrios bout that took place ten days ago at the MGM Grand might give him reason to pause.
In fact, public opinion is beginning to shift. Many believe the 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao could give Romero a serious run for his money. Former world champion Shane Mosley even went so far as to predict a PacMan victory if the matchup materializes. After suffering a humiliating loss to Isaac Cruz last year, Romero managed to halt his downward spiral. He now holds the WBA regular welterweight title and is once again in the conversation. But with his eyes set on facing one of the greatest fighters of all time, Shane Mosley’s prediction isn’t exactly the verdict Romero wants to hear.
Sugar Shane Mosley shared his thoughts in a recent interview with ‘Fight Hub TV‘s Marcos Villegas. “In terms of if he were to fight, say, like a Rolly, I know there’s been a lot of talk about that. Like, do you think Manny can beat a fighter like Rolly in your opinion, Shane?” Villegas asked.
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
After taking a moment to reflect, Mosley simply replied, “Yes.” The reply seemingly surprised Villegas, who promptly asked for the reasons. So Shane Mosley explained, “I see that he can throw more punches and combinations and moves very well. It’d be hard for Rolly to get close to him.”
Villegas echoed a sentiment shared by many: on paper, Rolando Romero should have the edge. He’s known for his raw power, he’s younger, and he’s been more active in the ring. Conventional wisdom would suggest an advantage for the welterweight champ. But Mosley clearly isn’t convinced.
Nonetheless, Shane Mosley expressed doubt as to whether Manny Pacquiao would actually face Rolly Romero or opt for a different opponent in his next outing.
Speed vs. swagger: Manny Pacquiao and Rolando Romero could be fireworks
What Mosley said about Pacquiao’s attributes still holds true. At least in part. Anyone who watched the Barrios fight could attest to that. Facing an opponent sixteen years younger, Pacquiao showed few signs of slowing down. In fact, he appeared more active than the reigning champion for much of the bout.
May 29, 2022, Brooklyn, New York, USA: GERVONTA DAVIS black and white trunks battles ROLANDO ROMERO in a WBA Lightweight Championship bout at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Davis defeated Romero by way of knockout in the sixth round. Brooklyn USA – ZUMAp109 20220529_zaf_p109_004 Copyright: xJoelxPlummerx
It was a strong performance, one that reminded fans of a vintage Pacquiao. The Filipino legend pushed Barrios onto the back foot in most of the early rounds, dictating the pace with speed and pressure. However, as the fight wore on, the San Antonio native began to claw his way back in. Pacquiao gradually slowed. A clear reminder that, at 46, time is no longer on his side.
There are those who support the idea of a Pacquiao-Romero clash. Among them is Chris Algieri. The former world champion turned analyst once felt the full force of Pacquiao’s speed and power firsthand. Algieri believes a matchup with Rolly Romero could surprisingly work, both stylistically and commercially.
“When you look at Rolly Romero, he is not that big; he’s not a real welterweight. Isaac Cruz, who is a blown-up lightweight, blasted him out, so I think they are looking at that fight against Romero and not to be as physically imposing as Barrios. In terms of that fight, I don’t hate it; I think the build-up will be great. Mario was not the most marketable guy… But Rolly, that guy can sell,” he told BoxingScene.
And the timing might be right. With Jaron Ennis having moved up from the welterweight division and Brian Norman Jr., the WBO champion, scheduled to face Devin Haney in November, Rolando Romero may be the most available and appealing option for Pacquiao.
What about you? Do you think Rolando Romero is the most fitting dance partner for Manny Pacquiao?
The post Rolly Romero’s Fate Sealed in Boxing Legend’s One-Word Verdict on Manny Pacquiao Fight appeared first on EssentiallySports.