“Someone Taking His Craft Seriously”: Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero Parting Ways With Long-Time Trainer Pays off as New Head Movement Training Impresses Fans

Come Saturday night, and Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero has a big test lined up. The 28-year-old WBA light welterweight champion will face Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz on March 31 at the T-Mobile Arena. They fight as the co-main event of the Tim Tszyu–Sebastian Fundora headliner. The buildup to the fight has been marked by several off-the-ring developments that have captivated the attention of fans and followers alike. Many would still remember the news of ‘Rolly’ Romero parting ways with long-time trainer Cromwell Gordon, known to most by his nickname’ Bullet’.

Subsequent reports revealed Romero taking up the services of venerable trainer Ismael Salas. As could be expected, the light welterweight champion seems to have picked up new techniques to prepare him against a pressure fighter like ‘Pitbull’. Training footage that displays Romero trying a head moment under Salas’ cue reached fans yesterday. Needless to say, it has since become a talking point, with views falling on both sides of the fence.

The tweet shared by @HotBoxingMinute read, “What a difference switching trainers can make. Coach Salas got Rollies incorporating head movement into his offense.” In the clip, Rolando Romero could be seen bobbing his left and right. At the precise moment when Coach Salas marks, he hits the mitts with a right uppercut. A left-hand hook quickly follows. The idea could be to keep him defensively elusive all the while probing vulnerable areas to hit back in a closed-ranged fight—the way many expect the fight with ‘Pitbull’ Cruz might follow through.

Rolando Romero: On Innovation or Desperation; Fans Divided

Many fans seemed happy to see Romero taking steps to address his shortcomings. But then a few others still remained skeptical. Would he be able to actually put into use what he has learned?

First things first, this user seemed happy that ‘Rolly’ was under the tutelage of Ismael Salas and called it a ‘good move’.

The next user also sounded positive. Lauding the light welterweight champion, they appeared satisfied to watch someone finally take care of their trade with all seriousness. But in the same breath, they revealed that they were getting sick and tired of watching Ryan Garcia‘s antics.

Then the next user sounded very optimistic. Given how sharp Romero is appearing, they believe he should be able to score a win via technical knockout.

Then this follower remarked that ‘Rolly’ appeared very competent in terms of defense when compared to the past.

But it’s not that all of those who commented came to support the American boxer. There were a few, such as the next follower, who felt that despite the change in trainer, Rolando Romero would revert back to his base style of fighting once he received the first punch from Cruz.

Eventually, fans would definitely hope that ‘Rollie’ Romero picks up what’s best for him. He enters the ring opposite a boxer, the second one to take Gervonta Davis (now Abdul Wahid) the whole distance. Of course, in the past, Romero deflected the point in his own way when highlighted.

Given the flak he received for last year’s win over Ismael Barroso, it becomes all the more significant for Rolando Romero to seal the first title defense with a triumph. That too, if he’s able to manage it against a determined fighter like Isaac Cruz, then it would seal his legacy and push his name for higher stakes. For ‘Pitbull, who has already suffered two professional losses, a third defeat might be detrimental to his future. Hence, on Saturday night, he could be expected to go full throttle and score a win in his inaugural light welterweight fight.

Read More: Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero vs. Isaac Cruz Stats: Age, Height, Weight, Reach, Net Worth, Record, Knockout Ratio, and More

What’s your take on the reactions? Do you think the shift to Ismael Salas would reap drastic benefits for Romero?

Also Read: Rolly Romero Continues Comparing Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz to “Dead Chihuahua”