Context:

Rolly Romero achieved a significant victory over Ryan Garcia, securing the WBA Welterweight Championship with a unanimous decision. His performance was highlighted by a second-round knockdown using a pair of left hooks, which set the tone for the rest of the match as he effectively limited Garcia's offensive capabilities. Throughout the fight, Romero showcased his defensive skills and landed a high volume of body punches, ultimately controlling the pace and outcome. Post-fight, Romero expressed his determination to continue fighting for belts and legacy, mentioning his readiness for a potential rematch with Garcia. He also reflected on his career weight class adjustments, attributing his success to strategic planning and adaptation to his opponents' styles, particularly neutralizing Garcia's left hook.

Dive Deeper:

• Rolly Romero secured a unanimous decision victory over Ryan Garcia to win the WBA Welterweight Championship, showcasing his dominance in the ring with a strategic and well-executed performance.

• The pivotal moment in the fight came in the second round when Romero landed two left hooks, knocking Garcia down and establishing control for the remainder of the match.

• Romero's defensive prowess was evident as he restricted Garcia to just 18 power punches over 12 rounds, demonstrating his ability to adapt and neutralize his opponent's strengths.

• In a post-fight discussion, Romero emphasized his focus on fighting for belts and his legacy rather than monetary gains, expressing his willingness to engage in a rematch if Garcia is ready and committed.

• Romero discussed his career trajectory, noting his successful adaptation to higher weight classes, which he believes enhanced his speed and explosiveness contrary to typical expectations.

• He highlighted the effectiveness of his jab to the body, a technique he considers crucial in breaking down opponents gradually throughout a fight.

• Romero acknowledged Garcia's improved focus and preparation for their match, recognizing the competitive nature of their encounter and his own strategic anticipation of Garcia's moves.

• Fresh from his dominant performance last Friday night, May 2, WBA Welterweight Champion Rolly Romero held a media roundtable in Los Angeles to discuss his title-winning triumph over Ryan Garcia.

• Having now picked up titles at 135, 140 and 147 pounds, 29-year-old Romero stole the show in New York City by earning a unanimous decision over the bookies favourite "KingRy" Garcia.

• From Las Vegas, Romero scored the highlight of the night by connecting with a pair of left hooks in the second round to drop Garcia and set the tone for the rest of the championship contest.

• Rolly rode that early knockdown, landing 45 of his 57 total punches to the body, according to CompuBox stats. He also showed impressive defensive prowess, limiting the usually explosive Garcia to just 18 power punches landed across the full 12 rounds.

• Romero appeared on stage this Wednesday and was recognized for his achievements before the start of the press conference for the May 31 PBC Championship Boxing on Prime Video event headlined by Caleb Plant vs Armando Reséndiz.

• Here is what Romero had to say from The Mayan in Los Angeles:

• “I have two losses and they both came from big fights. Those losses haven’t derailed me from anything. They can’t slow me down. Every time you think I’m gone, I’m gonna come back again and again… These other guys are fighting for the money, but I fight for belts and for legacy.

• “If Ryan wants to do a rematch we can do it. I don’t know if he’s mentally ready for a rematch and I know he has other obligations. I don’t know if people are too interested in seeing that other rematch, but if you have obligations, you should honour your obligations.

• “I know Ryan too well. I knew exactly how he was gonna come and where he was gonna come. I think even he was surprised with how well I knew him.

• “I neutralized his left hook. The second he threw one left hook, what happened? He got dropped and he never threw it again. The only reason he didn’t get knocked out is because he was fighting to survive.

• “When I was fighting at 135, I really should have been at 140, and then when I was at 140, I really should have been at 147. I was calling out Errol Spence Jr. and wanted to skip 140. I should have been at 147 for a very long time. I think it’s apparent. I mean how do I move up in weight and get a lot faster and more explosive. You usually get slower when you move up in weight.

• “You didn’t really see me have to box early on in my career, because I was flatlining people in the first few rounds.

• “The jab to the body is the money punch to me. That punch will break down anyone little by little. I’ve dropped people with it.

• “Ryan gave me his best. That was a focused Ryan Garcia. He didn’t do any of the stuff that he had done for his last fight. Is anyone saying he wasn’t focused in camp? That’s because Ryan takes me seriously. He knows me.

• “Anything regarding me being the face of boxing, I agree with.”