Speaking on The Warroom podcast, Garcia announced his plan to challenge Mario Barrios, the reigning WBC welterweight champion. The move signals his intent to jump straight back into title contention and regain momentum after his loss to Rolando “Rolly” Romero earlier this year.

For Garcia, the motivation runs deeper than gold. He believes a victory over Barrios would give him the “leverage” he needs to chase the rematch that still drives him.

Can Garcia’s high-risk comeback pay off?

“I haven’t said this publicly, but I want Mario Barrios. I’m going for it,” Garcia said. “If you want to make some good money, let’s run it.” The 26-year-old sees Barrios — who recently drew with Manny Pacquiao — as a winnable yet meaningful test on his road back to the top.

What comes after Barrios for Garcia?

A win could set up unification bouts against the Romero–Pacquiao winner, scheduled for January 2026. But Garcia might face competition from Conor Benn, who also wants Barrios next after his fight with Chris Eubank Jr. Still, few names bring the attention and market power Garcia does — and that could make all the difference.

Dropped in the second round and outboxed for much of the fight, the former interim champ couldn’t replicate the firepower that led him to knock Devin Haney down three times last year. The outcome not only put a dent in Garcia’s momentum but also clouded plans for a highly anticipated rematch with Haney.

Speaking to YSM Sports Media, Oscar De La Hoya dismissed any notion that the defeat was disastrous. “A little gun shy, that year off. All that power from Rolly. But he’ll go back to the drawing board and he’ll live to see another day. It’s not devastating at all. At all,” he said.

De La Hoya’s confidence

De La Hoya acknowledged the full twelve rounds as a positive takeaway and expressed confidence that Garcia still knows how to reach his best version. “He knows he’s way better than that. He knows what he has to do.”

What’s next? Haney or Rolly again?

Despite the loss and the blow it dealt to the rematch’s appeal, De La Hoya remains convinced that a second fight with Devin Haney is inevitable. “It’ll be back. It has to happen,” he said.

Garcia, for his part, left the door open for either option, expressing interest in running it back with Romero, now the WBA Regular Welterweight Champion, or revisiting unfinished business with Haney. One thing is clear: Garcia’s next step will be decisive in defining whether this was merely a stumble or the start of a longer fall.

[Watch Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero online in the US on DAZN]

Ryan Garcia is set to make his return to the ring following a year marked by controversy. The American fighter initially scored a majority decision win over Devin Haney, but the bout was later ruled a no contest due to a failed drug test.

Looking to put that chapter behind him, Garcia face Rolly Romero, who is aiming to bounce back after a loss to Isaac Cruz. For Romero, this bout represents a critical shot at redemption, and he’s determined not to let it slip away.

When will the Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero fight take place?

This highly anticipated boxing showdown between Ryan Garcia and Rolly Romero in the welterweight category is set for this Friday, May 2, at 10:00 PM (ET).

Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:00 PM

CT: 9:00 PM

MT: 8:00 PM

PT: 7:00 PM

How to watch Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero in the USA

You can watch the 2025 boxing fight between Ryan Garcia and Rolly Romero in the United States on DAZN PPV.

Rolando Romero has become one of boxing’s most talked-about names, blending knockout power with a flair for headlines. His rise from humble beginnings to superstardom has turned him into a figure of fascination.

Known for his bold personality and brash interviews, he has secured both championship belts and lucrative paydays, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike. His journey hasn’t been without controversy, adding fuel to his fame.

As sponsors line up and his bank account swells, many wonder just how much the American star has amassed. Behind the swagger and spotlight lies a fortune that’s steadily grown alongside his boxing career.

What is Rolando Romero’s net worth?

As of 2025, Rolando “Rolly” Romero’s net worth is estimated to be $7.5 million, as Essentially Sports reported, reflecting his success. This wealth stems from a combination of fight purses, pay-per-view shares, and endorsement deals.

His most significant payday came from his 2022 bout against Gervonta Davis, where he earned a guaranteed $500,000, with total earnings reportedly reaching $2.5 million when including his share of the pay-per-view revenue.

His 2023 fight against Ismael Barroso secured him a $500,000 purse. Despite a loss to Isaac Cruz in 2024, which saw his earnings dip to $200,000, his marketability remains strong, according to sources like Sporty Salaries.

His earning potential is high, given his talent and marketability. If he continues to win high-profile fights and secure lucrative endorsements and sponsorships, his net worth is likely to increase significantly in the coming years.

How much does Rolando Romero earn per fight?

Rolando Romero typically earns between $200,000 and $500,000 per fight, depending on the opponent, the event’s profile and whether there’s a share of pay-per-view (PPV) revenue, according to Essentially Sports.

For lower-profile fights or undercards, he usually takes home $300,000 guaranteed. In bigger, high-profile or title fights, his purse can exceed $500,000, occasionally approaching $1 million, especially if PPV splits or performance bonuses are included.

In his last fight, he earned up to $1 million, so his earnings are gradually increasing. Reportedly, several sources have stated that he could make between $5 and $5.5 million in his fight against Ryan Garcia in 2025.

Rolando Romero’s endorsements

Rolando Romero’s fierce persona in the ring has made him an appealing figure for brands looking to tap into boxing’s global audience. Over the past few years, he has secured several endorsement deals that help boost his income.

Among the most notable partnerships are deals with Everlast, one of the most iconic names in boxing gear, and Hublot, the Swiss luxury watchmaker known for sponsoring elite athletes, as Surprise Sports reported.

Romero has also worked with fitness and apparel brands, including Nike, which has been instrumental in promoting his image as both an athlete and an entertainer. His social media presence plays a key role here.

For Garcia, the spotlight comes with added weight. Following the reversal of his 2024 win over Haney due to a doping suspension, “KingRy” is stepping back into the ring not just to compete, but to reclaim his place in the sport. The one-year ban cast a shadow over his career, and now, in one of boxing’s biggest stages, he seeks to erase doubts and restore his reputation.

Romero, meanwhile, views this opportunity as a shot at reinvention. After a turbulent stretch, including a title loss to Isaac Cruz, “Rolly” is embracing the challenge of taking on one of boxing’s biggest names, hoping to flip the narrative in his favor.

How much will Garcia and Romero earn?

While official numbers remain undisclosed, industry insiders project massive paydays for both fighters. According to talksport.com, Ryan Garcia, thanks to his crossover appeal and marketability, is expected to earn approximately $20 million—a figure bolstered by endorsements, pay-per-view profits, and his loyal fanbase. Though less than his previous purse against Haney (reportedly north of $50 million), it still marks one of the largest earnings in the sport this year.

For Rolly Romero, this bout represents a breakthrough moment financially. After collecting under $1 million in his last fight, sources estimate that he could earn between $5 million and $5.5 million for sharing the spotlight with Garcia—by far the biggest purse of his career.

Legacy, redemption, and the bigger picture

More than belts and checks are on the line. For Garcia, this is a crucial moment to reestablish himself as a serious contender in the welterweight landscape. A dominant victory would serve not only as a rebuttal to critics but also as a major step toward future unification bouts.

Romero, on the other hand, fights for relevance. A win against Garcia could catapult him back into title contention and reignite his path toward global recognition. In a sport where timing and opportunity are everything, Romero knows that the lights of Times Square may not shine this brightly again.

As fight night draws near, expectations are sky-high. With careers hanging in the balance and millions of dollars on the line, Garcia vs. Romero promises to be more than a main event—it could be the turning point for two fighters chasing redemption under the brightest spotlight in boxing.

How to watch Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero

To catch all the action of the Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero fight, you can stream it live through DAZN, the official broadcaster. Make sure your DAZN subscription is active so you can enjoy comprehensive coverage, including pre-fight commentary and analysis. This streaming service can be accessed on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers.

Few boxers bring the same mix of bravado and raw power to the ring as Rolando Romero. Known for his explosive style and unfiltered confidence, he has quickly carved a name for himself in one of boxing’s most competitive divisions.

Behind the flash and knockout reels lies a fighter with an unconventional path to the spotlight. With each bout, he fuels debates, headlines and growing speculation about where his volatile mix of talent and tenacity could lead next.

From his physical stats to his career milestones, his story is far from typical—and far from over. As the Las Vegas native continues to rise, the numbers only tell part of the tale.

How old is Rolando Romero?

Rolando Romero was born on October 14, 1995, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the fight capital of the world—a fitting birthplace for someone who would go on to shake up the boxing scene.

At 29 years old, he is already a former world champion with a reputation that exceeds his years in the sport. His rise hasn’t followed a conventional path, but it’s precisely that unpredictability that makes him one to watch.

Unlike many boxers who start swinging in childhood, he came to the sport later, with a background in judo before fully committing to boxing. That late start hasn’t hindered his confidence—if anything, it’s sharpened it. Whether in press conferences or under the lights, he brings a kind of bold energy that makes his age seem irrelevant.

How tall is Rolando Romero?

Standing at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall, Rolly’s stature in the ring is well-suited to his aggressive, fast-paced fighting style. His relatively compact frame allows him to close distance quickly, making him a dangerous opponent for taller fighters who struggle to keep up with his pressure.

Despite not being the tallest, his height isn’t a disadvantage; rather, it enhances his ability to slip in and out of range and deliver power punches. His balanced build and explosive footwork are crucial components in his ability to overwhelm opponents in the ring.

What is Rolando Romero’s weight?

Rolly Romero fights primarily in the super lightweight division (140 lbs / 63.5 kg), though he previously competed as a lightweight (135 lbs / 61.2 kg). His body is a product of sharp conditioning and discipline—two things he’s proud of.

Even in the lead-up to his title fights, he often boasts about how easily he makes weight without sacrificing power. This ability to stay strong at a competitive weight is one of Romero’s greatest assets.

He enters the ring not just lean, but explosive—ready to absorb punishment and deliver it back twofold. That kind of physical preparedness is what helped him climb quickly up the rankings.

Rolando Romero’s career highlights

• Pro debut – December 2, 2016: Romero made his professional entrance with a first-round TKO over David Courtney in Las Vegas, setting the tone for a career built on knockout power and confidence.

• Early KO streak: In his first 10 fights, Romero secured 9 wins by knockout. His power quickly drew attention in a stacked lightweight division, earning him a reputation as a dangerous finisher.

• WBA interim lightweight title – August 15, 2020: Romero defeated Jackson Maríñez by unanimous decision to win the WBA interim title. The decision sparked controversy, but Romero held firm that he’d done enough to win.

• First major setback – May 28, 2022: Faced boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis at Barclays Center. Despite a solid start, Romero was knocked out in the 6th round. It was his first loss, but it raised his profile significantly.

• WBA super lightweight champion – May 13, 2023: Returned to the ring with a TKO victory over veteran Ismael Barroso. The win secured him the WBA title, though the stoppage was widely criticized for being premature.

• Title loss – March 30, 2024: Romero lost his belt to Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz via eighth-round TKO. Despite the defeat, his willingness to face tough opponents kept him relevant in boxing’s spotlight.

Finally, this mandatory fight will take place for Gervonta Davis in which he will defend his WBA Regular title in the lightweight category. This confrontation was agreed to take place in 2021, specifically on December 5 of that year. However, due to problems with the law, Romero had to be replaced and the rival ended up being Isaac Cruz.

Once Romero‘s legal conflicts have been resolved, the fight will finally take place and two of the best exponents of the lightweight category will face each other. It will undoubtedly be an interesting fight since both have very high KO percentages, so in each exchange of blows they could easily end the fight.

Gervonta Davis vs Rolando Romero: Fight information

Date: Saturday, May 28
Time: 9:00 PM (ET)
Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York

Gervonta Davis vs Rolando Romero: Time by State in the US

ET: 9:00 PM
CT: 8:00 PM
MT: 7:00 PM
PT: 6:00 PM

Gervonta Davis vs Rolando Romero: Storylines and Head-to-Head

Without a doubt, it will be a high-intensity fight due to the quality of the fighters facing each other, both with an undefeated professional record and no draws: in the case of Gervonta Davis, he has 26 wins (24 of them won by KO); while Rolando Romero has14 wins (12 of them won by KO).

Both fighters have a very high KO percentage (85% for Romero and 92% for Davis), which means that the probability of the fight ending this way is very high. This can lead to two possible readings of the fight: first, that the two go for the KO knowing the power of their fists; or second, knowing both the power of their rival, they decide to be more careful and launch a smaller number of blows.

If it is the first case, the fight will be unknown. The first fighter to land a power punch could win. If it were the second case, Gervonta Davis would have an advantage given his greater experience (12 more fights difference against top level rivals the vast majority of the time). That’s why Romero shouldn’t go into that type of fight and look to hurt Davis.

How to watch or live stream Gervonta Davis vs Rolando Romero in the US

This fight in which Gervonta Davis will defend his Regular WBA lightweight title against Rolando Romero will take place today, May 28 at 9:00 PM (ET), can be watched in the United States on: Showtime PPV.

Gervonta Davis vs Rolando Romero: Predictions and Odds

The Oddsmakers have a favorite for this fight. These are the odds according to Caesars: Gervonta Davis is the favorite to take the victory with -800 odds, while +550 odds will be for the Rolando Romero´s victory.

If you are in Arizona, Illinois, New York, New Jersey or any other state where legalize sports betting is permitted, Ceasars offers a lot of in-game promos which make betting live a lot of fun. Click right here! Try your luck and win big!

*Odds via Caesars

Tank Davis is one of the flashiest fighters in boxing today. He is undefeatedwith a perfect streakafter 26 fights as a professional, with a staggering 24 knockouts. So far, he has beenWorld Super featherweight champion and secondaryWorld Championat 135 and 140 pounds.

On the other side,Rolly Romero, 26 years old, one year younger than Davis, isan exciting prospectafter 14 fights in professional boxing. Another similarity with his opponent is that of his 14 victories only two have not been by knockout. Perhaps the only handicap against him is that Gervonta Davisis just the first big name he has faced in his career, so far.

Bad blood between Gervonta Tank Davis and Rolando Rolly Romero

The clash between Tank and Rolly was planned to occur in December 2021, but a sex crime charge against Romero, later dismissed, forced Isaac Pitbull Cruz to take the Las Vegas native’s place. However, it is a fact that the desire to tear each other apart between Davis and Romero is honest and this wait only heightened the feeling.

“I don’t like him as a person. I think he’s a piece of sh—t person. Honestly, he’s gonna get his ass whooped. He’s a f—-k piece of the sh—t for the sport too… It’s just a bunch of nervous energy. He ain’t say sh—t. Couldn’t even say he was gonna knock me out. He can’t do sh—t. He a bitch”, statedRolly Romero in an open media workout according to Boxing Scene.

Romero also hinted that Gervonta Davis had been shying away from facing him until it was impossible for him to avoid clashing with him for the chance to earn the right to challenge the winner of the Lightweight division unification fightbetween George Kambosos and Devin Haney.

“If I say I’m gonna spar somebody, I’m gonna spar somebody. He ducked me twice even then. I’ve been calling him out since 2017. The reason that the fight’s being made is because I want it, not because he wants it. He don’t want this sh—t. He wish he could fight some other 126- or 122-pounder.” said the 26 years undefeated contender.

One of the best pound-for-pound fighters today will make his first fight in 2022. Gervonta Davis has just defeated Isaac Cruz by Unanimous Decision on December 5, 2021, a fight thanks to which he retained his WBA (Regular) lightweight title. The fighter born in Baltimore, Maryland is undefeated in professionalism with 26 fights out of 26 (24 won by KO).

His rival will be fellow American Rolando Florencio “Rolly” Romero, who held the interim WBA lightweight title from 2020 to August 2021. It will also be his first fight in 2021, since the last one was held on the 17th. July 2021, defeating Anthony Yigit by TKO on that occasion. He is undefeated as a professional with 14 wins in 14 fights, 12 of them won by KO.

Gervonta Davis vs Rolando Romero: Date

The bout in the lightweight category between Gervonta Davis and Rolando Romero, will take place this Saturday, May 28 at 9:00 PM (ET) with the main event expected around 11:15 PM (ET).

Gervonta Davis vs Rolando Romero: Time by State in the US

ET: 9:00 PM
CT: 8:00 PM
MT: 7:00 PM
PT: 6:00 PM

TV channel in the US to watch Gervonta Davis vs Rolando Romero

This Gervonta Davis vs Rolando Romero in the lightweight division will take place this Saturday, May 28 at 9:00 PM (ET) with the main event expected around 11:15 PM (ET) can be watched in the United States on: Showtime PPV.

These two fighters have history behind, as they were scheduled to meet in the ring on December 5, but the clash had to be called of due to allegations of sexual assault against Rolando Romero. Fortunately for the 26-year-old there were no charges after an investigation made by the Henderson Police Department. “Iknew that I was innocent“, said victoriously Romero to Brian Custer in an interview.

The animosity betweenTank Davis andRollyRomero arose again in the Face-to-Face they recently had to promote their Lightweight clash, in which Davis’ WBA Regular World Lightweight title will be on the table. Both boxers are undefeated, and are almost the same age, nevertheless, Gervonta’s resume is far away more brilliant as he is a former World Super featherweight titlist and has conquered minor World belts in the 135 and 140 pounds.

Who is Rolando Romero?

Rollyis the number one contender for the WBA World Lightweight title, the second most important of the category for the aforementioned organization, as George Kambosos Jr. is the main Champion of the division. He started his boxing career in 2016.

So far, he has held 14 fights, all won, twelve of them by knockout, this means that an outstanding 85 % of his victories have come by the quick way. Since August 2020, and from his last 3 fights he is the owner of the WBA Interim World Lightweight belt.

Rolando Romero’s record includes names as Jackson Marinez, Avery Sparrow, and Anthony Yigit, good but not elite fighters. The clash againstTankDavis will be his very first litmus test, nevertheless, he has shown himself confident on being the first man to be able to stop Gervonta’s winning streak.

“I don’t think he’s as big of a puncher as people think.I think he just bullies a bunch of small dudes and weight-drained opponents, like Pedraza and Barrios, and small dudes, like Santa Cruz, a torn-Achilles Gamboa… I think he’s just explosive and gets these people that stand there in front of him and they’re smaller than him. So, I mean, it’s only obvious that he’s gonna knock them out.”, stated Romero in Brian Custer’s Podcast.

Concerning Gervonta Davis’ last performance on December 5, against Mexican Isaac Cruz, the one that replaced him after his legal troubles,RollyRomero was not impressed withhis next opponent level: “Tank didn’t perform as well that fight… It’s just he had a difficult fight with some dude that he thought he could get out of there and he couldn’t get out of there…Cruz just pressured him, stayed tightthe entire time and just pressured him the entire time. And I don’t think Gervonta hurt Cruz at all that fight. Actually, I think the person getting hurt was Gervonta.”

Bookmakers have Gervonta Davis up 9 to 1 over Rolando Romero, an event that will be organized and promoted by Showtime on a Pay-Per-View basis on May 28, 2022, atBarclays Center, a venue in whichTankhas already performed twice (KO’s victories against Jose Pedraza and Jesus Marcelo Andrés Cuellar).

After winning the lightweight title, the undefeated champion Gervonta Davis faced Leo Santa Cruz in his first defense whom he defeated by KO at 2:43 minutes of the 6th round; Mario Barrios in his second (TKO victory at 2:13 of the 11th round), and Isaac Cruz in his third (winner by unanimous decision).

If this fight takes place (and everything seems to indicate that it will), it will be the fourth defense of the title for the boxer belonging to Mayweather Promotions (and who has also been champion in the super featherweight and super lightweight categories), whose record as a professional until the moment is 26 wins (24 of them by way of KO) 0 losses and 0 draws.

Who will be the rival?

The WBA made this fight official by posting the following tweet: “The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee ordered the lightweight world title fight between champion Gervonta Davis and mandatory challenger Rolando Romero”. And it also added in another tweet: “The pioneer body sent the formal communication to both teams of both fighters, who will have 30 days, which expires next February 24, to reach an agreement”.

Last year an attempt was made to hold the fight between Gervonta Davis and Rolando Romero, and a date was even agreed: December 5. However, the legal problems of Romero (accused of sexual assault) did not allow its realization. Now that these conflicts have been resolved, it is possible that the fight will take place and the WBA has confirmed it.