Rolando 'Rolly' Romero Wants To Turn 140 into a Fun Division, Lessons From His Loss to Gervonta Davis | INTERVIEW

In an interview on The Last Stand podcast, host Brian Custer sat down with Rolando "Rolly" Romero, a rising star in the world of boxing. Romero, who previously fought in the lightweight division, has now moved up to the 140 lbs. division. In the interview, Romero discusses various topics, including his reaction to Alberto Puello's positive PED test, his upcoming fight with Ismael Barroso, wanting a rematch with Geronta Davis, his ambitions for the 140 lbs. division, and his thoughts on the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia.

On Alberto Puello testing positive for PEDs

At the 03:36 mark, Romero expressed his disappointment upon learning that his scheduled opponent, Alberto Puello, had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

"I mean, honestly, I was disgusted because, I mean, anyone who uses any performance enhancers in boxing is trash, well in any sport is trash," said Romero.  "It takes away from being legit in the sport. I have no respect for any fighter on any PEDS or any of that stuff. It's sad, I mean, if you ain't born with something, but you're going to go cheat and go get it. It's sad, it is very sad."

On his goals at 140 lbs.

At the 03:36 mark, when asked about his goals in the 140lbs division, Romero's ambition is clear—he aims to make it the most exciting division in boxing. He believes that 140 lbs. has been relatively boring in recent years.

"Turn 140 to the biggest pay-per-view division there is. That's my real goal, ain't nothing else, but turn this thing to a fun division, because 140 is a boring division," said Romero. "Like when I mean it's boring, it's boring, and I'm not talking about like now, like throughout history, it's been boring for a lot, like, especially over the last like what? 15 years. It's been really boring, you know. Now a lot of stuff goes on at 140. So I think I'm the person to make that the most exciting to division there is."

On what he learned from his loss to Gervonta Davis

At the 05:20 mark, Romero discussed his previous fight against Gervonta Davis, acknowledging his mistake of being too aggressive and getting caught with a punch. He believes that his body was no longer suited for the lightweight division and expressed relief at moving up to 140 pounds.

"Yeah, I made a mistake, but I know why I made that mistake, you know? And it was more my body just wasn't there anymore," Romero said. "I just shouldn't have been at [135 lbs.] no more, and I was trying to move out for a long time, and that's how it was, and more than anything, like I said, I did go in a little too aggressive. And I got cracked, and my body did not recover in time."

On The Internet Saying Ryan Garcia Quit

At the 06:59 mark, Romero defends Garcia against accusations of quitting. He highlighted the impact of a well-placed body shot, stating that anyone who has experienced it knows how debilitating it can be. Rolly claimed that Garcia did not quit and that the body shot paralyzed him temporarily, making it impossible for him to continue.

"Ryan Garcia did not quit, if Ryan Garcia was going to quit, he would have quit after the first shot," Romero said. "He got up and continue to fight like a champion for five more rounds, so nobody can say he quit."

On Gervonta Davis saying he's The Face of Boxing

At the 08:04 mark, Romero acknowledges Gervonta Davis accomplishments and believes that he deserves the recognition.

"I think he deserves it," Romero said. "I got a feeling me and him are going to run that shit back and then I become face of boxing. You know, I'm already up there. I'm by far one of the most marketable fighters in the game. I'm excited like I said, the future is going to be great."

Rolando "Rolly" Romero is set to face late replacement, 40-year-old Venezuelan, Ismael Barroso (24-3, 22 KOs). The fight is scheduled to take place live on SHOWTIME, May 13th in Las Vegas, marking Romero's return to his hometown after three years.