Who Are Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero’s Parents? Father’s Cuba Escape, Mother & More

Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero ranks among the most skilled and prolific young guns of the modern boxing era. His super-aggressive fighting skills leave the fans intrigued, and that’s why hardcore boxing lovers look forward to his fights. Moreover, Romero complements his overall fight game with some slick trash talk.

In the world of social media, ‘Rolly’ has won over his fans by giving them what they wish to see. That said, he’s one watch-worthy character and also a highly talented boxer. As he prepares to clash heads with Ryan Garcia this Friday night, everyone’s asking—who are his parents? And what’s the deal with his father’s escape from Cuba? 

What happened to Rolly Romero’s father in Cuba?

Romero’s father, Rolando Romero Sr., endured unimaginable hardship in Cuba before escaping to the United States. A three-time national amateur boxing champion, Romero Sr.’s dream of turning professional was crushed by Cuba’s communist regime, which forbade pro boxing. In 1991, desperate for freedom, he attempted to flee the island at age 27. 

“My dad tried to escape originally when he was 27,” Rolly told FanSided. “They arrested him and put him in prison for two years. They fed him nothing but a spoonful of rice, and at night, a cup of sugar water. They fed him that for a month straight.” Those years of imprisonment only hardened Romero Sr.’s resolve. 

In 1993, he made a second, more dangerous attempt—swimming across open waters toward Guantanamo Bay. “If they catch you in the water, they shoot you on sight,” Rolly recalled. “My dad swam overnight with his friend, and his friend drowned. My dad made it to Guantanamo Bay.”

After three weeks at the naval base, he was flown to Miami, where he reunited with family. Two years later, Rolly was born. His father’s courage and sacrifice laid the foundation for Rolly’s boxing career and relentless spirit.

All we know about Rolando Romero’s mother?

While there’s not much to go on about Romero’s mother, Tiffany Romero, she appeared in an interview with Fight Hype back in 2023, speaking about Romero’s fight against Ismael Barroso. When she was asked about her son’s outspoken personality, she indicated that “he is pretty much always the same,” but he has become “a little bit more patient now.”

It’s believed that she is of African-American descent, contributing to Romero’s mixed Cuban and African-American heritage. Regardless, when asked about a prediction for the fight, she revealed she expects a “victory… [via] knockout” against Barroso, which ended up happening as Romero won that fight a 9th-round TKO.

Interestingly, when she was asked about a potential fight against Ryan Garcia back then, she claimed that while she doesn’t want to see it, it will happen down the line, which turned out to be true. She was also pressed about a prediction for the then-potential Garcia vs. Romero, so she said her son will “take care of business.”

That said, Rolly Romero seems to have an interesting background, with a family who have seen their own share of struggle. What are your thoughts on his background?