News of a positive doping test has once again rocked the world of boxing, this time involving WBA super-lightweight champion Alberto Puello. The Dominican southpaw was set to defend his title against Rolly Romero. However, he tested positive for the banned substance clomiphene and has been removed from the fight.
This is the second high-profile case who has tested positive for this substance, with British boxer Conor Benn also failing a UkAD test for clomiphene. Benn has fought a lot since then to clear himself of any wrongdoing and it seems that Puello might have to do the same. Romero, on the other hand, will now fight Ismael Barroso for the WBA’s interim super lightweight title. Talksport reporter Michael Benson conveyed the news, who revealed that the fight for the interim title will take place on May 13th.
Alberto Puello has reportedly tested positive for a banned PED in a VADA drugs test. It's claimed that he's now expected to be stripped of his WBA super-lightweight world title with Rolly Romero to face Ismael Barroso for the vacant belt on May 13th. [According to @BoxingScene]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) April 19, 2023
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Despite having a splendid career, Romero’s loss to Gervonta Davis in December of last year was a major setback. Davis knocked him down twice in the first round and eventually stopped him in the seventh round.
Read More: Gervonta Davis Gets Aggressive: Threatens to Knock Out Fan’s Idol Rolly Romero Again
Many fans and analysts criticized Romero’s lack of defense and questioned whether he was ready for the big stage. However, he has once again been thrust into the title picture, which left some fans wondering if he deserves the title shot.
Fans react to Rolly Romero getting a title shot despite being knocked out in his last fight
A user named @bombsboxing stated that Romero will have an easy path to the title. Moreover, he added that sometimes it was good getting knocked out by a high-caliber fighter like Davis.
Romero about to have an easy path to that world title. It pays to get knocked out by Tank sometimes.
— bombs boxing™ (@bombsboxing) April 20, 2023
Another user named @Jimbo_J_ claimed that Romero won in the long run despite losing to ‘Tank’
I speak for everyone when I say he clearly lost the fight he won it in anyway
— Jimbo J (@Jimbo_J_) April 19, 2023
A user named @The7xSuspension suggested that Mayweather’s promotions might also have something to do with the title shot.
I see mayweather protection program already pulling strings pic.twitter.com/XcM4NfThae
— Tha Villain (@The7xSuspension) April 19, 2023
However, a user named @_SirAntMan_ thought that this was a hilarious turn of events. He claimed that Romero got a major payday after facing Davis and will now compete in a title bout despite losing his last fight.
This is the most hilarious turn of events. Rolly talked himself into a major payday, and now the stars have aligned for him to possibly become a world champion. Legend. 😂
— Cuddly Teddy Bear (@_SirAntMan_) April 19, 2023
Lastly, a user named @unruly_wayward claimed that the reason Rolly was getting a title shot was due to boxing politics.
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This makes Romero a Champ at 140? They should just let Rolly take the same thing and have them fight anyway.
— Il Douche (Duce) (@mistadontplay91) April 20, 2023
Romero’s upcoming fight against Barroso will be a major test for him. Barroso is a seasoned veteran with a record of 24-3-2 and 22 knockouts. If Romero is able to defeat Barroso and claim the interim title, it could set up a potential rematch with Davis down the line. Davis is currently the WBA’s regular lightweight champion, and a rematch between the two would be highly anticipated.
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Watch This Story | Every Title Fight Win of Gervonta Davis
What did you think about Romero getting a title shot after Puello’s failed test? Let us know in the comments.