Former WBA super lightweight champion Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero (15-2, 13 KOs) and his larger-than-life personality have landed him a fight on one of the biggest fight cards of the year, which is Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga. Romero will face the tough Manuel Jaimes (16-1-1, 11 KOs) in a scheduled ten-round bout on the PPV portion of the fight card. This could be do or die for Romero, who has gone 1-2 in his last three fights with the two losses being by brutal stoppages. Can Romero get back in the win column and set himself up for yet another big fight next year?
Recently, Premier Boxing Champions checked in with Romero while in training camp to see where he is mentally ahead of his fight, which is less than 30 days away. “This fight is about making a statement and getting back in the win column,” said Romero. “As always, I’m coming for the knockout.”
That sounds exactly like the fighter who earned his way to a fight with Gervonta Davis in 2022 by winning his 14 fights impressively, with 13 of those wins being by knockout. Since then, things haven’t been that great for Romero, who has switched trainers and is now guided by Ismael Salas. Residing out of Las Vegas, there is a level of comfort for Romero who is motivated to perform in front of his family and friends.
“Fighting in my hometown is always special,” said Romero. “The energy from the crowd is electrifying and gives me an extra boost. There’s nothing like fighting in front of the people who’ve been supporting me from the start. I’m coming to steal the show and give everyone a night to remember.”
Romero is saying all the right things ahead of his fight against Jaimes, including the always popular statement, “This training camp has been one of the best I’ve had.” But things have to be better than that as opportunities in boxing come and go, so the focus has to be to look great against a young, hungry fighter in Jaimes who lacks the experience of Romero.
“Manuel Jaimes is a tough opponent, and I’m not taking him lightly,” said Romero. “He’s got good skills and a lot of heart, but I believe my power and speed will be the difference. I’ve studied his style, and we’ve put together a game plan that I’m confident will win this fight. I’m going to win this fight because I have to win this fight, that’s the only thing on my mind.”
Which version of Romero will we see on September 14? Is it going to be the knockout artist that made him a feared prospect coming up, or is it the version that hasn’t been able to get over the two knockout losses and is a shell of who he once was? Whichever version we get, one thing is for sure: Romero will entertain fans throughout it all as he continues to find a way to level up his profile, even in his worst moments.
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