Negotiations for a welterweight fight between Devin Haney and Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero don’t appear to be going so well.
Active negotiations have long been reported regarding a boxing unification between 27-year-old Haney, who won the WBO version of the 147-pound championship when he dominated Brian Norman late in 2025, and 30-year-old Rolly, who won the WBA belt when he out-classed Ryan Garcia earlier that year.
And though Haney had remarked to Ring Magazine a matter of weeks ago that it was “very likely” he fights Romero next, things have seemingly changed over the last few days, and it’s all down to the fact that “the money isn’t right,” according to Haney.
“Rolly delusional acting like he some kind of draw but can’t sell out a ballroom,” Haney said on X. “That’s why the fight hasn’t been made yet … the money isn’t right.”
“I’m looking at other options. He can go fight his mandatory since he’s such a draw.”
The WBA ordered Romero to face mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov, wanting the fight to materialize early in 2026. World title unifications, though, often take precedence. But with a unification against Haney off the table, the WBA may push for Romero to put his strap on the line against Giyasov, in a bout that could be a hard sell considering the unbeaten, Brooklyn-based Uzbekistani is a relative unknown despite a 17-0 (10 KOs) record.
Haney’s other options could include a Garcia rematch, Keyshawn Davis, or another fighter in the WBO rankings, like Jack Catterall (who is linked with Jose Ramirez), Teofimo Lopez (linked with Garcia), or Raul Curiel, who has fought twice since his fan-friendly Fight of the Year-contending draw with Alexis Rocha in 2024 — winning both.
Romero hasn’t commented specifically on Haney’s most recent comments, but did say March 25 that Devin “has no chin”.
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