Rolando “Rolly” Romero‘s image as an irreverent provocateur was left behind on May 2, 2025, when he not only defeated Ryan Garcia against all odds, but also showed a side unknown to many. Far from the arrogance that characterized him, the 29-year-old boxer revealed a moment of vulnerability after the fight: “Just when I got into my truck, I sat down and also cried”. His comment was not a criticism, but an act of empathy towards Garcia, who was harshly criticized on social media for showing his emotions after the defeat.
Romero knows what it is like to fall and be the target of ridicule. After his 2022 defeat to Gervonta Davis, he went through a period of loneliness and deep reflection. “I was alone for almost that whole year, really. It was like God took all the trash out of my life,” he confessed in an interview with Cigar Talk. That fall, far from destroying him, laid the foundations for his personal transformation. Today, with a record purse of $5.5 million for his victory over Garcia, Romero is not only celebrating a sporting triumph, but also a spiritual and emotional rebirth.
“Old Rolly is dead”
The strongest news came shortly after the fight, via a story on his Instagram account. “It seems that old Rolly is dead and now only Rolando is left,” he wrote. The defiant tone was replaced by one of introspection: “I carried so much hatred in my heart, and I don’t even know where it came from. God has shown me that I am no longer meant to be that person. I sincerely apologize to everyone.” Far from the taunts, the boxer spoke of faith, redemption and forgiveness.
That same day, Romero concluded his message with another revealing statement: “In Christ, all things are possible.” With those words, he confirmed what his behavior had been hinting at: a process of genuine change. He not only publicly defended Ryan Garcia from criticism, something unthinkable in the Rolly of old, but also showed gratitude to those who were once rivals. “Thanks to that fight (against Gervonta Davis), I also understand him a little better… I owe it to him, because it’s more important to me than money.”
Support from Mayweather’s circle
Even from the Floyd Mayweather camp, with whom Romero shared a team in the past, came words of support. Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions, reacted to the video where Romero recounted his evolution by saying: “In real life, sometimes a loss is a win”. A phrase that, applied to Rolly, today makes perfect sense.
Romero is currently enjoying two consecutive victories after a brief loss to Isaac Cruz in 2024. His rebirth has been both internal and sporting, and his name is once again making waves in the welterweight division. But beyond the ring, what truly marks this stage is the way he has begun to reconcile with his history, his mistakes and his emotions. And that, in a world as fierce as boxing, is no small thing.
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