Rolando Romero has the best time in his career. Last weekend in Times Square, He shocked the world of boxing by beating Ryan GarciaOne of the best known faces of the sport, by unanimous decision. It was a clear victory, Romero dropping Garcia in the second round.
From the first bell, Romero showed calm, tactical maturity and a determination that contrasts with the turbulent moments he has experienced in recent years.
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He was a different “rolly”, which was not provocative by speaking after his victory. He was compassionate and friendly while discussing Garcia.
Romero, who in 2021 faced an allegation of sexual assault which was then rejected due to the lack of evidence, faced a critical point of his boxing career after losing against Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in March 2024. Romero went to therapy to approach his mental health.
Find out more: Rolando Romero beats Ryan Garcia by a unanimous decision in Times Square Stunner
Romero recalled that in the darkest moments of his life, he did not feel any support he expected.
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“Everyone turned their backs on me, but the only one who never turned their back on me was God,” Romero said Times en Español on Wednesday, a few moments before going on stage at the press conference by promoting a fight on May 31 between the Caleb factory and Armando Deprendiz.
“It is my revenge of life, as I said when I lost against” Pitbull “and I put my social media,” Happy Easter … I come back as Jesus Christ. “”
He found his refuge in religion, his family and a therapist.
“She helped me a lot, she was very good with me and just because a (therapist) worked with me, it does not mean that there is a relationship between that and that it will work with (Garcia). It is something completely different,” said Romero.
Rolando Romero wins a punch on Ryan Garcia during a fight for the WBA Welterweight title in Times Square on May 2 in New York. (Cris Esqueda / Golden Boy / Getty Images)
The 29 -year -old fighter said on several occasions that the media and people around Garcia should treat him well and understand that he is going through a bad time in his life.
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“I can look to someone in the eye and know if they cross a nightmare,” said Romero. “As a human, you cannot kick someone who is already on the ground.”
Garcia was one year old to forget. After defeating Devin Haney in April 2024, he tested positive for Ostarine, a prohibited substance. The victory over Haney was canceled, Garcia was suspended for a year And has lost more than a million dollars in gains. It was aggravated by a period of erratic behavior which included the use of cannabis and alcohol, an arrest for Vandalism for offense at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Beverly Hills and alarming messages on social networks.
The loss of Garcia may have ruined the plans for another test of strength between “Kingry” and Haney, but the compassion of Romero does not extend to concerns about Garcia's next fight.
“I don't care about the plans he had, I only care about mine,” said Romero. “They had all these plans, it's not my problem and I don't care.”
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When he was asked if he would be ready to give Garcia a revenge match, Romero did not hesitate: “Of course, he deserves it.”
Romero plans to take a week off with his family in Las Vegas before returning to Miami to focus on the future.
With this victory, he placed himself at the center of the Welters weight scene, and although his path was marked by ups and downs, his message to the world of boxing is clear: he is back, and he is back stronger than ever, not only physically but also mentally.
His advice to Garcia, who is in his own difficult journey: “Get closer to God”.
The plant wants to face Canelo again
Plant and Resendiz met face to face at a press conference on Wednesday at Mayan in Los Angeles, where the two expressed their confidence before the May 31 fight (5 p.m. PDT, Prime Video) to Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.
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Plant (23-2, 14 kos), known for his technical style, said he felt at the top of his game and ready to prove his supremacy in the division, but not before recalling his intention to go after Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez again.
Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, on the right, hits the Caleb factory during a medium -sized unification fight on November 6, 2021, in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus / Associated Press)
The native of Nashville, Tennessee, lost against Álvarez by Knockout Technique in the 11th round in November 2021.
“I have the impression of being the man in the division. Obviously, Canelo is always active and I have a lot of respect for him, but I always have the impression of being the best average weight in the world. It's just my mentality,” said Plant during the press conference.
Rendendiz (15-2, 11 KB) says that the plant underestimates it and although the lack of constant activity in the ring can be a factor in its rhythm of combat, the Nayarit, in Mexico, indicates that it will surprise a plant.
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“He is not an invincible opponent, he has a weak point and we will decompose everything, there is no doubt in this fight,” said Revendiz.
The menu will also feature Jermall Charlo, who will face Thomas “Cornflake” Lamanna in the co-printer event. Charlo (33-0, 22 kB), an unbeaten champion in two divisions, will try to start his way to a shooting title in a third category of weight.
“I want to finish this fight and, if possible, face the Caleb plant. I have great things in progress,” said Charlo.
This article was Posted for the first time in Spanish via Times en Español.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
