Rolly Romero’s Trainer Says Fighters At 130 Don’t Want Smoke!
The last time Rolando “Rolly” Romero (14-1, 12 KOs) was in action, he suffered a sixth-round stoppage loss to reigning WBA Regular lightweight champ Gervonta “Tank” Davis (27-0, 25 KOs) in June 2022. But despite the outcome, Romero gave a good account himself and left the ring with newfound respect.
Following that setback, how does he respond, when will he fight again, and against whom? During a sit-down interview with Fight Hub TV, his trainer, Cromwell “Bullet” Gordon, discussed what could be upcoming for his fighter. While initially talking about Rolly’s future at lightweight, he also brought up another interesting option.
THE FUTURE FOR “ROLLY”?
“We’ll try to see if he [can make] 130…He can make the weight […] If he had a fight at 130, that somebody wants that smoke, “Rolly” will make 130, if he has to.”
When asked about a specific opponent, Gordon mentioned current WBO/IBF junior lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson (18-0, 9 KOs). When it comes to how he thinks Romero sizes up against the unified 130-pound champ, the trainer didn’t mince any words.
SAY WHAT NOW?
“They don’t want that smoke with Rolly. Shakur got pillow hands. […] If you cannot sustain him and keep him away, you’re done. All these guys with pillow hands could go away.”
Romero is a big-framed lightweight. It’s hard to think he could squeeze himself down to 130. But Gordon says that Romero stays in the gym and has not put on much weight since the fight with Davis. He knows his fighter better than anyone. So if “Bullet” says that Romero can make that weight, one must take him at his word.
WHAT’S THE LIKELIHOOD OF IT HAPPENING?
Stevenson is scheduled to defend his titles on September 23 against Robson Conceicao (17-1, 8 KOs) on ESPN. The unified champ is a boxing savant whose technical ability ranks up with anyone in the sport. However, he’s never been in the ring with someone with the physical size, strength, and punching power that Romero possesses.
How would Stevenson deal with someone so physical who also fights in a style that is awkward and not easy to solve? What would happen should Romero be able to land with power punches? Stevenson’s punch resistance is still an unanswered question.
A potential fight between the two is nothing more than talk. Whether it goes from speculation to serious negotiations is to be determined. But real fight fans would warm up to the possibility and watch for sure.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
