Rolly Romero ‘Coming To Steal The Show’ On Canelo Alvarez v Edgar Berlanga Undercard
Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero has said he is planning to “steal the show” when he makes his return on the undercard of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s fight with Edgar Berlanga next month.
Romero (15-2-0 13 KO) fights Manuel Jaimes (16-1-1 11 KO) in a non-title super-lightweight bout on September 14 at T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where Canelo aims to defend his unified super-welterweight titles against Berlanga in the headline fight.
Romero lost the WBA’s 140lbs world title in his last fight when he was stopped in the eighth round by Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz in March – also at the T Mobile Arena.
It was the second defeat of the Las Vegas native’s career having been knocked out by Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis in May 2022. In between those defeats, Romero claimed a TKO win over Ismael Barroso in May 2023 to become the WBA super-lightweight world champion.
Romero Ready To ‘Make A Statement’
“This fight is about making a statement and getting back in the win column,” said Romero. “As always, I’m coming for the knockout.
“Fighting in my hometown is always special. The energy from the crowd is electrifying and gives me an extra boost. There’s nothing like fighting in front of the people who’ve been supporting me from the start. I’m coming to steal the show and give everyone a night to remember.”
After winning his first 14 fights, Romero’s progress was halted by the defeat to Tank. The American then fought for the vacant WBA belt against Barroso after title holder Alberto Puello, whom Romero was initially booked to fight, was stripped for failing a drug test.
Romero got the win with a ninth-round technical stoppage, although there was some controversy around the decision to stop the fight, while Barosso had led on all three scorecards. Then came the one-sided loss to Pitbull, who bullied Romero around the ring before securing the stoppage.
Romero Enjoying Best Ever Camp
It means Romero has been involved in three tough fights in a row, involving two defeats and one controversial victory, and he has been working hard with trainer Ismael Salas to make improvements ahead of September 14.
“This training camp has been one of the best I’ve had,” Romero, 28, said. “We’ve focused on refining my technique, increasing my power, and sharpening my mental game. My team and I have put in countless hours in the gym, and I feel stronger and more prepared than ever. Coach Salas has pushed me to new limits, and I’m excited to showcase those improvements in the ring.”
Jaimes, who will contest his first 10-round bout, should be on a level below Romero, but the Californian is on a four-fight win streak following his solitary defeat to Pedro Bernal Rodriguez in April 2022.
‘Jaimes A Tough Opponent’
“Manuel Jaimes is a tough opponent, and I’m not taking him lightly,” Romero said. “He’s got good skills and a lot of heart, but I believe my power and speed will be the difference. I’ve studied his style, and we’ve put together a game plan that I’m confident will win this fight. I’m going to win this fight because I have to win this fight, that’s the only thing on my mind.
“A win against Jaimes will be a step back in the right direction. It opens up opportunities for bigger fights against all the big names. I’m looking to dominate and make a statement that I’m ready for anyone in the division. I want to add this guy to my highlight reel and set the stage for what’s next.”
In addition to Romero’s fight with Jaimes and the headline bout between Canelo and Berlanga, the card will also feature the return of Danny Garcia, who is aiming to become a three-weight world champion against WBA middleweight title holder Erislandy Lara in the co-main event.
Also on the undercard, former super-middleweight champion Caleb Plant, who lost his IBF title to Canelo in a unification bout in 2021, will fight Trevor McCumby for the interim WBA belt.
