Rolando Romero has given his thoughts after suffering a second career defeat at the weekend, promising that he will return to fight at the ‘top level of the sport’.
‘Rolly’ lost his WBA super-lightweight title to Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz on the Tim Tszyu vs. Sebastian Fundora undercard on Saturday night, after the Mexican challenger secured an eighth-round knockout win over the outspoken champion.
On Instagram, Romero maintained pride in what he described as a ‘fearless’ performance, whilst thanking fans for their support.
“I want to congratulate Pitbull on a great fight and achieving his dream of becoming a world champion. Every time I step between the ropes I know I risk my life and my health and that in a sport of winners & losers there can only be 1 of 2 outcomes when the battle is over.
“I came into this fight prepared to show the world my heart and my skills and I felt like I displayed that on Saturday night. I never once got knocked down, let alone knocked out, and the ref had to save me from myself because I’m fearless and got cold balls of steel and wanted to keep on fighting and putting on a show until the end.
“When you lose a fight usually the support starts to dry up and people stop calling to check in with you but after Saturday night I’ve received so much love and support from so many different places it’s made a huge difference in being able to cope with and accept this defeat.
“I promise I will be back better and stronger than ever to further prove to myself and naysayers that I belong at the top level of the sport with the best of them.💯🏆🐺 #RollyIsForever”
Romero was previously in talks to fight Ryan Garcia, an opportunity that could be revisited if the 25-year-old loses to Devin Haney this month, but Romero’s lack of a title is sure to limit his future options.