Rolly Romero Has Only One Message for Ryan Garcia ‘Battling His Own Demons’ After Tough Loss

It’s not every day you see boxers peel back the curtain on their mental battles, especially in a sport that thrives on bravado and violence. Take Tyson Fury, for instance—after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, he hinted at retirement. But not long after, he was back in the gym, punching bags and running on the Morecambe beach like a man who still had something to prove. For Ryan Garcia, though, the aftermath looked different. Following his emotional breakdown after losing to Rolando Romero, he became the subject of viral ridicule. But instead of joining the insult train, Romero did something unexpected—he backed him up.

During an appearance on The Danza Project, Romero opened up about that raw post-fight moment with surprising vulnerability. “They want to all talk sh-t about Ryan Garcia crying in the van after the fight and stuff,” he said. “But I’ll tell you like this, on the same time when I went in my van, I sat down and I cried too.” For a fighter often known for his loudmouth and swagger, it was a rare show of empathy.

And if you know Rolly, you can tell he has a brash persona. But after his win at the Fatal Fury event, fans witnessed a surprising shift. During the same interview, Rolando Romero also got candid about the weight of self-doubt he had been carrying—and how that cloud finally lifted after his victory. After the Victorville native’s recent loss, Rolando Romero knew all too well what Ryan Garcia was going through, having stood in that same emotional corner after his first career loss in 2022. The moment was telling: Ryan Garcia approached Rolly after the fight, not with bitterness, but with what looked like genuine respect.

“Even after this fight, we’ve seen Ryan come up to you and he didn’t, he didn’t look like there was any animosity there,” the host pointed out. Instead, “He looked like it was all love and he was happy for you.”

And Rolly Romero didn’t hesitate to explain why. “I mean, he respects me. Yeah. But also, I mean, look at this,” Rolly said, leaning in, “When Ryan was going through his sh*t who’s the only one that defended him? Who was the only fighter? Honestly, not even fighter, the only person who publicly defended him? Who was the only one?”

The host responded with a knowing smile: “You?” And Rolly asserted: “Me. And everyone else just sat down and thought it was a joke and started slandering this poor kid who’s was battling his own demons.” It was a powerful moment, especially from someone who’s been both villain and victor in the eyes of the public.

So, where did this change come from? A recent Instagram story from Rolly Romero himself gives us a clue.

After empathizing with Ryan Garcia, Rolando Romero aims for spiritual growth

Just hours ago, the 29-year-old took to Instagram to share a deeply personal message: “It feels like the old Rolly has died and now it’s just Rolando,” he wrote. “I carried so much hatred in my heart, and I’m not even sure where it came from. God has shown me that I’m not meant to be that person anymore. I sincerely apologize to everyone.” 

Gone is the guy who thrived on controversy and trash talk. In his place is someone more reflective, grounded, and perhaps most surprising—grateful. “Through Christ, anything and everything is possible,” Romero added in another story, signaling a spiritual shift that appears to be reshaping not just his mindset, but his entire approach to life and boxing.

And interestingly, he’s also credited Gervonta Davis for helping spark this evolution. Rolando Romero has acknowledged that the humbling loss to Davis in 2022 forced him to reevaluate the people around him, his motives, and ultimately, himself. So, with all this growth on display, what do you think of Rolando Romero’s spiritual journey?