In an interview on Friday, boxing promoter Oscar De La Hoya revealed that Ryan Garcia had initially expressed a strong desire to face Devin Haney. De La Hoya disclosed that Garcia specifically requested the fight. He wanted the plans to be initiated and finalize official negotiations to arrange the bout in March. However, in a surprising twist, Ryan Garcia announced on Saturday that he had a change of heart.

Now he prefers his next fight to be against Rolando Romero rather than Devin Haney. Notably, Romero himself appeared to confirm the potential matchup, teasing a fight in the Spring. However, there’s one condition that will come in between the contest between Rolly Romero and Ryan Garcia. It’s to be seen if Romero is able to deal with it.

Ryan Garcia might not be the first priority for Rolly Romero

As per a WBA ruling, Rolando Romero is under obligation to defend his title by March 20 against the winner of the Davies-Barroso bout. Both of the boxers recently fought for the WBA interim 140-pound crown. However, Romero expressed a clear preference to face Ryan Garcia since winning his WBA belt. But Garcia, at the time, opted to go for the negotiations with Devin Haney. Now, Garcia has called him out again and he has accepted the challenge as well.

But this poses a problem as Romero might have to vacate his belt if he wishes to face Garcia. Before their bout, Ohara Davies had already predicted that this problem would definitely arise for the WBA titlist. Speaking to BoxingScene, he said, “You know, I see him and Ryan Garcia calling each other out online, and he’s calling out this person and that person. I’m like, mate, you’re free to fight against anyone you want. Just give up the belt.”

Furthermore, he said, “If you wanna fight against these guys, I’m not against it. You can fight Ryan Garcia or Devin Haney. I’ll even buy tickets to come watch you fight. But you won’t be fighting for the belt.” As per the ruling, the winner of the Davies-Barroso fight, Ismael Barroso is in line for a bout against Rolly Romero next as the former has his eyes on the WBA belt.

Ismael Barroso is now in the queue to fight Romero

At The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Ismael Barroso showcased his prowess by swiftly demolishing Ohara Davies in the first round. With the victory, he secured the new WBA interim junior welterweight title. The decisive victory came at 1:33 of the opening round as Barroso unleashed a powerful hook that badly rocked Davies before finishing him off with a barrage of shots. This resulted in two knockdowns.

Although Davies beat the count after the second knockdown, he was visibly discombobulated, prompting the referee to wave off the fight. Post-match, Barroso wasted no time calling for a rematch with full champion Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero. He was even present ringside and came over to congratulate Barroso on his remarkable knockout triumph. Still, Barroso said, “The public has been calling for the fight with Romero, and I just want to say, I’m right here.”

Read More: After Being Ducked by Ryan Garcia Before, Rolly Romero Reacts as ‘KingRy’ Calls Him Out Again Following Devin Haney Fight Cancellation

Before this, they had already squared up against each other when Romero won against Barroso via a controversial knockout in the seventh round. Well, it’ll be exciting to see an enthralling bout unfold, but it all depends on Romero’s decision for his next opponent. Will he choose the title or the bigger fight purse? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section.

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