WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero knows how to take full advantage of any mic time. If you interview him, you’re guaranteed to get unbridled honest takes, and he doesn’t pull any punches. We saw that in an interview from Fight Hub TV on August 7. Romero is preparing for a title defense against Teofimo Lopez on August 22, but it’s inevitable, like every major fighter, he’s going to be asked about the big names in his weight region. When Romero was asked about former opponent and rival Ryan Garcia, Romero didn’t hold back.
It seems Garcia is trying to goad Terence Crawford out of retirement for a megafight, but his approach is raising some eyebrows. Romero is one who seems perplexed by Garcia’s aggression. Garcia claims Crawford “owes him” a fight. “That’s literally the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard,” Romero said.
Key Facts at a Glance
What Romero said, and what prompted it
- Rolly Romero holds the WBA welterweight title, won by decision over Ryan Garcia in May 2026
- He defends against Teofimo Lopez on August 22 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
- Ryan Garcia is the WBC welterweight champion
- Garcia told FightHype that Crawford owes him a fight, along with Jaron Ennis and Vergil Ortiz
- Garcia also said Crawford is an all-time great and a Hall of Famer but not a legend
- Terence Crawford retired in 2025 after beating Canelo Alvarez
- Garcia faces Conor Benn on September 12
Garcia holds the WBC welterweight title and told FightHype that Crawford owes him a fight, along with Jaron Ennis and Vergil Ortiz. Crawford retired after beating Canelo Alvarez and has given no sign he is returning. He answered Garcia on social media in April by telling him he had catching up to do.
Don’t count on that fight happening. However, we might see Garcia’s next opponent Conor Benn take offense to King Ry focusing on a fantasy matchup.
READ MORE from the boxing beat
Every Major Boxing Card Over The Next 45 Days
Confirmed events only, as of August 7.
- Aug. 8 — Cherneka Johnson vs. Dina Thorslund, Orlando, ESPN
- Aug. 8 — Aaron McKenna vs. Etinosa Oliha, Dublin, Paramount+
- Aug. 12 — Michael Zerafa vs. Alejandro Ortiz, Gold Coast, DAZN
- Aug. 15 — Claressa Shields vs. Kaye Scott, Atlanta, DAZN
- Aug. 21 — Amanda Serrano vs. Lucrecia Anabella Manzur, Temecula, TikTok LIVE
- Aug. 22 — Rolly Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez, T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, PBC PPV
- Aug. 22 — Julio Cesar Martinez vs. Mario Hernandez, Santa Monica, BASH TV
- Aug. 29 — Moses Itauma vs. Filip Hrgovic, London, DAZN PPV
- Aug. 29 — Chantelle Cameron vs. Mikaela Mayer, Birmingham, ESPN+
- Sep. 4 — Andy Ruiz vs. Damian Knyba, Newark, DAZN and TNT
- Sep. 5 — Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili, Dublin, DAZN
- Sep. 12 — Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn, Las Vegas, Paramount+