One of the more interesting fighters in the sport of boxing returns on Saturday night live from The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, NV. Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero (14-1, 12 KOs) will face veteran Ismael Barroso (24-3-2, 22 KOs) for the interim WBA Super lightweight title. Showtime will broadcast the event, hoping Romero can become a player at 140 lbs.
It was last May when Romero met Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis in a much-anticipated fight as both men talked plenty of trash in the leadup to their clash at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. Although Romero was dictating the pace of the fight, Davis observed and took the punishment to see what openings he could exploit later in the fight. That opening came in the sixth round as Davis landed a straight left and knocked out Romero, who lost concentration for a split second. As we saw with the Ryan Garcia, fight, sometimes it only takes those quick seconds for Davis to land something fast and hard.
Romero took some time off after that fight and had a moment to reflect on life and things that mattered to him most on a more personal level. One of those things involved securing his future with decisions he felt were smart and would set him up for life after boxing. When it was time for Romero to return to the ring, he was given an opportunity to get right back into the mix but this time at super lightweight.
🥊 #RomeroBarroso
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) May 8, 2023
🗓️ SATURDAY
🕙 9PM ET/6PM PT
📺 @Showtime pic.twitter.com/BRb6DeIwRr
Romero was scheduled to face Alberto Puello on Saturday, but after testing positive for banned substances, Barrosos was penciled in for the interim WBA title fight on Showtime. Romero was not pleased about the banned substances Puello was pulled from the fight for. Romero told ProBoxTV News, “I was disgusted, but it didn’t really surprise me.”
While getting ready for Saturday, Romero posted videos on social media from different parts of his training camp. Some videos showed Romero doing various physical activities instead of the usual running and gym work that is usually posted. “There are a few things I did differently for this fight. I became more patient overall with boxing and in life. I was trying to force things to happen. Now, I’m just letting things happen,” said the 28-year-old Romero.
.@SignUp4KOs makes his anticipated return to the ring Saturday on @Showtime 💥
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) May 9, 2023
Watch #RomeroBarroso May 13 at 9PM ET/6PM PT. pic.twitter.com/AA98lXtdNK
On Saturday night, his opponent Barroso is twelve years older than Romero, but that does not mean that ‘Rolly’ will take him lightly. Romero told ProBoxTV News, “I expect him to come and fight. He’s a warrior and will not back down. He can crack, has a lot of experience, and is a little tricky.” Romero will be careful, but if Barroso can’t gain his respect, it may be an early night for him.
Although ‘Rolly’ Romero’s technique can use some upgrading, his power is real and can be the difference in a fight. If Romero can secure an impressive victory, he can write his ticket to a massive fight at 140 in the future. Will Romero get back to his winning ways on Showtime? You will have to tune in this Saturday to find out if he does or if Barroso pulls the upset.