When it comes to boxing, lightweight Rolando Romero puts legacy over friendship
For the typical citizen there is rarely the need to punch a good friend in the face. Even when tempers are flared, such acts of violence are not commonplace. Professional fighters, on the other hand, are often presented opportunities to duel a chum in the squared-circle. Some will do it for money and others would do it purely for the competition. Yet, boxers such as lightweight Rolando “Rolly” Romero (13-0, 11 KO’s) would take that bout for legacy.
The Las Vegas native was just in the ring in January facing Avery Sparrow. It was a solid showing that allowed Romero to display a few new wrinkles in his game. Obviously, it is always beneficial to look good. Yet, Rolly understands that he will have to topple bigger names than Sparrow to garner the appeal that he craves. Let him tell it, to advance his legacy there is no fighter that he would not square-up with.
LEGACY OVER EVERYTHING
Going a step further, Rolly told Fight Hype that he would even go to war with his good friend Teofimo “Take Over” Lopez (16-0, 12 KO’s). Having usurped the IBF, WBA and WBO world lightweight titles, Lopez is in firm command of the division. Despite Romero and Lopez being direct divisional rivals, they enjoy a very public friendship. It is a common sight to see them go live on social media together. When apart, both boxers will lavish the other in praise when the topic arises.
Ultimately, Romero is not letting their bond outside the ring effect the trajectory of his legacy inside the ropes. He recognizes that Lopez is the man right now and a tremendous scalp to collect. That is precisely why he holds no qualms about throwing down with his ace.
“Obviously I would want to fight Teo if he has all the belts, you know? Yeah of course, he would have all the belts…Teo is a great fighter, like I said I think the fans would love that fight regardless, down the line. Maybe 2022, late 2022 you know, one hundred million each!”
SLOW DOWN JUST A BIT!
Typically when talking about upcoming or would-be opponents, Romero is all about the knockout. He is confident in his power and believes that it can fell most anyone that he is faced with. On the topic of The Takeover however, Rolly is far more respectful and mindful of the power coming back his way!
“I think it’s going to be a boxing match, it’ll be a boxing match. It’d be a really good boxing match. It’d be a very technical boxing match because all the times that me and Teo sparred, we’d sit there and time each other. And like I said, I’m a puncher, and you know obviously he’s a good puncher, a really good puncher. It’d be a really good boxing match.”
By: Bakari Simpson
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