Garcia and Romero Camps in Active Talks for a Rematch
The teams of Ryan Garcia and WBA “regular” Welterweight champion Rolando Romero have entered active negotiations for a rematch, The Ring reports. According to the source, the bout could take place in December of this year.
The first meeting between Ryan Garcia (24‑2, 20 KOs) and Rolando Romero (17‑2, 13 KOs) took place on April 2 and ended in a unanimous decision for Romero: 118‑109 and two scores of 115‑112. Garcia was down in round two.
After that fight, Ryan underwent surgery on his right hand for the second time in four years. As he heals and prepares to return, Garcia is convinced he’ll have no trouble beating Romero if the rematch happens.
“The fight that interests me most is a rematch with Rolando Romero. That wasn’t me that night. I had issues with both hands, I’d just come back after a year out, had a strange camp—only four weeks with Derrick James—and fought in front of a small crowd.
Two weeks before the bout my left‑hand joint swelled badly, and any movement caused pain. I fought almost without hands, which is why you didn’t see punches from me. It was the first time in my career. It was hard to accept even during the fight. I cried not because of the loss, but because I couldn’t defend myself. That hurts when you’re a fighter. I was shocked that Rolly didn’t attack me. It was a very strange night—nothing was right.
In the rematch, the winner will be the one who sets the pace and makes the first move. He didn’t attack at all. It’ll always be an awkward, messy fight because we both punch hard. But now I have a plan, and I’ll destroy him. Rolly doesn’t handle pressure and shots well; he can’t work up close. You saw what Isaac Cruz did to him. A healthy me means a knockout for Rolly. Simple as that.
Sometimes you need a slap to wake up. I’ve already overcome so many challenges others wouldn’t survive. I hear all the noise and how people try to break me. But I’ll come back and be happy to prove them all wrong. That’s what champions are made of.”
Photo: CNN