Ryan Garcia has dodged a bullet and made a bold call. After teasing a fight with Devin Haney for weeks, he pulled out of negotiations and has now set his heart on Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero. The American boxer is at a critical juncture in his career, and with Floyd Mayweather joining his corner, he is ready to climb the 140-pound hierarchy with little trouble.

‘KingRy’ is steering his career toward stardom and steadily establishing himself as an elite boxer. While he is far from a complete package, his eagerness to learn and his large fan following have made him a household name. After dropping the Gervonta Davis fight, the 25-year-old boxer moved up to 140, and with a win against Oscar Duarte in the bag, he is seeking a gold strap. However, his fight negotiations with ‘The Dream’ likely collapsed due to the difference in the PPV split. But Garcia has found a better replacement in Rolly Romero.

Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero: Fits the bill

Ryan Garcia harbors the ambition to become a world champion next. He had zeroed in on Devin Haney to snatch the crown from him. But Haney wanted a larger share of the PPV pie, and all he brought to the table was the title. The Haneys fail to realize that Garcia is a bigger name.

While Haney is a more formidable and skilled opponent, he is not a PPV star. His boxing technique hasn’t earned him enough fans, as his style is not fan-friendly. His clinching, jabbing, and moving around fail to attract eyeballs. Importantly, Haney’s last fight against Regis Prograis reportedly only sold 50k PPVs, and it’s no surprise Garcia wants no piece of him.

Meanwhile, Rolly Romero is the WBA super lightweight champion who has prodigal mic skills and has mastered the art of trash-talking. In addition, his exploitative style also holds sway over fans, and his personality will add to the fight’s allure. In sum, the proposed fight makes sense business-wise.

The Floyd Mayweather effect

What changed precisely when Garcia was the one who called out Haney for a showdown? Garcia has added Floyd Mayweather to his team. ‘Money’ has taken up the mentor’s duties for Garcia, and he is teaching him how to throw punches in the ring and the business side of things.

Marketability will take a front seat when Garcia decides on his next opponent. Fighting Haney is an uphill task, and few pundits will pick Garcia as a winner. A clash with Haney would be akin to a scrimmage rather than a real boxing match. The rehydration of Haney to 165 also doesn’t help Garcia’s cause.

Haney is a more polished boxer, and Garcia can’t afford to add another loss to his boxing record. Therefore, Garcia’s camp has gone after the champion, which might be a relatively easy fight, and move the needle. A victory against Rolly Romero also guarantees Garcia as the enforcer of the 140-pound division and sets up bigger fights for him as a champion.

‘KingRy’ looks at the bigger picture

Why does Ryan Garcia need a belt? To gain a better bargaining position at the negotiation table. Being a champion comes with its perks and, most importantly, the percentage they get. Garcia is not averse to the idea of fighting Haney in the future, but he wants to come on equal footing with him.

Read More: “Ryan Garcia Is a Top Fighter”: Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe Backs ‘KingRy’ by Trolling Haters Following Increased Closeness With Floyd Mayweather

The same applies to other champions in the division, including Subriel Matias or Teofimo Lopez Jr., who once rejected a fight offer from Garcia. Then, the super lightweight division can move forward with unification bouts after Garcia becomes the champion. The reign of Garcia as a champion will commence with another PPV blockbuster, and soon, other champions and surging contenders will chase him.

What do you make of this proposed fight between Ryan Garcia and Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero? Do you believe he ducked Devin Haney? Let us know in the comments below.

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