Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – APRIL 07: Rolando Romero answers questions during a press conference at Barclays Center on April 07, 2022 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Getty
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – APRIL 07: Rolando Romero answers questions during a press conference at Barclays Center on April 07, 2022 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Lightweight superstar Rolando Romero was scheduled to fight WBA (super) lightweight titleholder, Alberto Puello for a title showdown. However, after testing positive for a banned substance, Puello had to back out of the fight. Meanwhile, former WBA interim lightweight titleholder, Ismael Barroso, was brought in as Puello’s replacement. Even though it was initially announced that the duo will fight for the WBA (super) lightweight title, it looks like there has been a change to the title at stake.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
According to recent reports, Romero and Barroso will be fighting for the interim WBA (super) lightweight title. Notably, with the current situation at hand, Puello still holds his title. Which, in turn, prompted the WBA to announce that the interim title will be at stake instead.
Getty
SAN ANTONIO, TX – JULY 17: Rolando Romero celebrates after defeating Anthony Yigit in their Interim WBA Lightweight fight at AT&T Center on July 17, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. Rolando Romero defeated Anthony Yigit by TKO (Photo by Edward A. Ornelas/Getty Images)
Puello had tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug, clomifene. He was subject to a surprise drug test by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), whose reports confirmed the presence of the drug.
Talking about the ensuing situation and Puello’s title, WBA president, Gilbert Mendoza said, “We’re going through due process, we’re going to listen to Puello’s arguments. And let him disclose all the information. We’ll send all his information to the medical and legal committee. And then we’ll come back with an answer regarding his status as champion.” Romero, who last fought Gervonta Davis, is set to fight Barroso at The Cosmopolitan in Paradise, Nevada, on May 13, 2023.
Fans react to the new title announcement for Rolando Romero vs Alberto Puello
Boxing fans were undoubtedly intrigued by the announcement of the new titles. In fact, a lot of fans took to social media to share their thoughts about the same.
absolutely ridiculous and disgusting why should a cheater have the right to keep his belt?!?
— GameBoy (@TagoeP4P) May 9, 2023
Boooo. I wanted Rolly to become a world champion. F'ing Puello….
— Cuddly Teddy Bear (@_SirAntMan_) May 9, 2023
A few fans did not mince words while stating that Puello should be stripped of his title. Additionally, they mentioned that Romero should be given the chance to become a world champion.
So it looks like Rolly will have to wait much longer to be a world champ 😅
— Romell Marquez (@MarquezRomell) May 9, 2023
Similarly, a user named Romell Marquez also revealed that Romero might have to wait longer to become a world champion.
what? this is why no one takes the WBA seriously, they should dissolve and only have 3 belts
— NotPlayboi AEW 🇪🇸 (@PlayboiOck) May 9, 2023
i thought they removed the interim belts
— …. (@txxuser) May 9, 2023
Meanwhile, a few fans expressed their disappointment with the WBA, Moreover, they added that the interim belts should not exist. Do you think interim belts are necessary? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Watch This Story: All About Ryan Garcia vs. Gervonta Davis
Written by
Edited by
Shibu Immanuel