Tony Weeks Aids 2023’s Biggest Robbery: Romero vs Barroso
In 2023, boxing fans experienced an overwhelming number of bad decisions from judges and stoppages from referees. Thanks to referee Tony Weeks, the 3kingsboxing Robbery of the Year award going to WBA junior welterweight champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero versus Ismael Barroso.
THE BACKSTORY
Rolly (15-1, 13KO) was scheduled to face then-champion Alberto Puello. However, the fight was canceled, as Puello was stripped for testing positive for a banned substance.
With the title vacant, the WBA ordered Romero to face 40-year-old Venezuelan Barroso (25-4-2, 23KO). It was his second attempt to become a world champion since losing to Anthony Crolla in 2016.
On May 13, 2023, Barroso surprised everyone with his performance by hurting Rolly several times before dropping him in the third round. Power is the last thing a fighter loses, and he possesses game-changing power.
In what looked to be a victory for Barroso, turned into the most talked about moment in boxing. In round nine, Romero pinned a hurt Barroso against the ropes, and without a single flush shot landing, Weeks jumped in to stop the fight.
Boxing fans couldn’t believe what had happened as the word “robbery” echoed over social media. Romero continues to be made fun of and is viewed as the division’s weakest champion.
REDEMPTION
There is a silver lining to this story. Realizing what happened, the WBA ordered the Venezuelan to face top contender Ohara Davies to fight for the Interim title.
On January 6, Barroso scored a sensational first-round knockout over Davies. With the chance for a third shot at the title, his power once again played a huge factor.
Whether or not Romero fights the newly crowned Interim champion, their fight in 2023 earned the Robbery of the Year award.
