Despite not having fought for a year, and having no fight date in the diary, the WBA has upgraded Rolly Romero to ‘Super World Champion’ status.
The move allows Jack Catterall’s fight with Shakhram Giyasov on Saturday in Egypt, originally for the ‘regular’ title, to be upgraded to a bout for the full championship.
The WBA’s website explained the announcement saying: “The decision was made by the WBA Championships Committee following a formal request from Romero’s team and after reviewing his accomplished run as a three-division champion.”
The WBA continued, explaining: “The sanctioning body also established that Romero must face the winner of the Giyasov vs. Catterall showdown within a maximum period of 180 days after the fight takes place.
“The resolution issued by the WBA is supported by the organization’s rules and regulations, which grant the Championships Committee and the WBA President the authority to designate Super Champions under exceptional circumstances and in the best interest of the sport.”
Romero is 17-2 (13 KOs), and has won his last two fights since a one-sided stoppage loss to Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, defeating Manuel James and Ryan Garcia at junior welterweight atnd 147lbs respectively.
