Rolly Romero Rips Devin Haney, No Interest in Making Fight W/ 'Track Star'
Rolly Romero Dismisses Potential Devin Haney Fight: Boxing Rivalry Intensifies After Garcia Victory
Published May 7, 2025 12:30 AM PDT
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Rolly Romero has made it clear he has no interest in fighting Devin Haney. (Photo: Getty Images)
Rolly Romero’s Criticism of Devin Haney
Boxing star Rolly Romero has emphatically shut down speculation about a potential showdown with Devin Haney, delivering scathing criticism of his fellow pugilist during a recent interview with TMZ Sports. Fresh off his impressive victory over Ryan Garcia in Times Square last week, Romero didn’t mince words when discussing Haney, referring to him as “shattered” and dismissively labeling him “a track star.”
The comments come at a time when boxing fans have been contemplating potential matchups for Romero following his career-defining win against Garcia. While many fighters might be eager to challenge Haney, who narrowly defeated José Ramírez in a controversial decision on the same New York card, Romero made it abundantly clear that a bout with the 26-year-old holds little appeal.
“Haney wasn’t a big fight to begin with,” Romero stated bluntly. “He wasn’t a big fight when he fought Ryan. And he’s definitely not a big fight after he just became a track star.”
This “track star” critique appears to reference Haney’s defensive boxing style, which some fans and analysts have criticized as being too focused on movement and avoiding exchanges rather than engaging in crowd-pleasing firefights. The remark highlights a fundamental stylistic difference between the two fighters, with Romero generally known for his more aggressive approach.
Fresh Off Ryan Garcia Victory: Romero’s Next Moves
Rolly Romero’s stock in the boxing world has risen considerably following his triumph over Ryan Garcia, a bout that captured significant attention both within and beyond traditional boxing circles. The victory positions Romero for potentially lucrative opportunities against high-profile opponents, allowing him to be selective about his next career move.
Speaking to TMZ Sports on Tuesday, Romero indicated he’s actively seeking another “big name” for his next contest, clearly prioritizing opponents who not only present an interesting stylistic matchup but also bring commercial appeal to the table. This strategic approach to opponent selection reflects Romero’s growing understanding of the business side of boxing, where Pay-Per-View numbers and public interest can be as important as competitive considerations.
Rolly Romero defeated Ryan Garcia in their Times Square showdown, a victory that has significantly elevated his standing in the boxing world. (Photo: Getty Images)
Romero’s victory over Ryan Garcia represents a major turning point in his career, giving him increased leverage in negotiations and allowing him to be more selective about future opponents. This newfound position of strength informs his dismissive attitude toward a potential Haney matchup.
Pay-Per-View Concerns: Why Romero Isn’t Interested
Beyond personal animosity, Romero’s reluctance to pursue a fight with Haney appears rooted in commercial considerations. During his TMZ Sports interview, Romero implied that Haney lacks the drawing power necessary to generate significant Pay-Per-View buys, a crucial factor in the modern boxing landscape where fighter compensation is often tied directly to viewership numbers.
Romero challenged the interviewer directly on this point, asking rhetorically: “So, you tell me, real quick, are you excited to see anybody fight Devin Haney?!” This pointed question underscores Romero’s belief that Haney’s technical, defensive style fails to resonate with casual fans, potentially limiting the financial upside of such a matchup.
This perspective highlights the ongoing tension in boxing between technical excellence and entertainment value. While Haney is widely respected for his boxing IQ and defensive prowess, these attributes don’t necessarily translate to commercial appeal in an era where combat sports increasingly compete for viewer attention with more action-oriented entertainment options.
Tank Davis Rematch: Romero’s Preferred Opponent
Rather than pursuing a bout with Haney, Romero expressed interest in a potential rematch with Gervonta “Tank” Davis, who defeated him via sixth-round knockout in May 2022. Despite the decisive nature of their first encounter, Romero believes he has evolved significantly as a fighter since that loss and appears eager for an opportunity to avenge the defeat.
Gervonta “Tank” Davis defeated Rolly Romero in their first encounter, but Romero believes he’s a “completely different fighter” now and seems eager for a rematch. (Photo: Getty Images)
This desire for a rematch with Davis makes strategic sense from multiple perspectives. Davis, with his perfect 30-0-1 professional record and explosive knockout power, remains one of boxing’s biggest stars and most reliable Pay-Per-View attractions. A rematch would likely generate substantial fan interest and financial returns for both fighters.
Moreover, Romero’s assertion that he’s a “completely different fighter” now compared to their first meeting suggests he believes he has addressed the technical deficiencies that led to his defeat. The García victory adds credibility to this claim and could make a rematch with Davis a more compelling proposition for fans and promoters alike.
A rematch with Gervonta “Tank” Davis would offer Romero the opportunity to both avenge his previous loss and capitalize on a high-profile, potentially lucrative bout. This strategic focus on Davis rather than Haney aligns with both competitive and commercial considerations.
The Current Boxing Landscape After NYC Showdowns
The dual events in New York City featuring Haney vs. Ramírez and Romero vs. García have significantly reshaped the boxing landscape, particularly in the lightweight and super lightweight divisions. With all four fighters now moving in different directions, fans are eagerly anticipating the next moves from these high-profile boxers.
Romero’s dismissal of Haney as a potential opponent creates interesting ripple effects throughout the division. If a Romero-Haney matchup is indeed off the table, both fighters will need to identify alternative opponents that can maintain their momentum and further elevate their profiles in the sport.
For now, Romero appears content to savor his victory over García, though he mentioned to TMZ Sports that his busy travel schedule has prevented him from properly celebrating the win. This momentary pause offers Romero and his team valuable time to assess the boxing landscape and make strategic decisions about his next move in what has suddenly become a much brighter professional future.
The aftermath of major boxing events often creates a fluid situation where fighters, promoters, and networks negotiate behind the scenes to create the most compelling and lucrative matchups. Fans should expect several weeks of speculation before any official announcements regarding Romero’s next opponent.
As boxing continues to enjoy a resurgence in mainstream attention, personalities like Romero play an increasingly important role in driving interest in the sport. His willingness to speak candidly about potential opponents, combined with his exciting in-ring style, ensures that whatever path he chooses next will be closely followed by boxing enthusiasts worldwide.
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