The rivalry between Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero and Devin Haney has gone from sporting to personal. After Haney’s lackluster performance against Jose Ramirez in New York, Romero has taken every opportunity to question the legacy and credibility of the former undefeated champion. The situation escalated even further after it was confirmed that Haney’s fight against Ryan Garcia was annulled due to the Californian’s use of banned substances.
Instead of showing solidarity with Haney for being the victim of a doped rival, Romero doubled down on his taunts. In a live broadcast, he mocked: “Did the substances really make Devin not able to keep his hand up?” suggesting that not even Garcia’s doping justifies Haney’s poor performance in the ring. This statement came shortly after Haney filed a lawsuit for fraud and assault against Garcia.
“Was that a fight or a race?”
Haney’s performance against Ramirez drew much criticism, even among fans. The fight was so lacking in action that Haney broke an ignominious record: the fewest punches landed in a 12-round fight so far in 2025. Romero was quick to react with irony: “Did he just run? You almost made me sleep. I was warming up and I wanted to turn off the TV.”
Romero, who has maintained a controversial profile, did not hold back and added: “Haney was never a great figure in boxing. He wasn’t when he fought Ryan, and now, he looks more like a track athlete than a professional fighter”. His words hit hard among fans who are skeptical of Haney’s increasingly evasive style in the ring.
From empathy with Garcia to disdain for Haney
Paradoxically, Romero showed a very different side with Ryan Garcia weeks before facing him. He publicly shared his own battles with mental health, and sympathized with Garcia, whom he had previously questioned for retiring from boxing in 2021 due to anxiety. “That’s when something hit me… this bastard is not lying,” Romero confessed, admitting that the therapeutic process led him to see things from a different perspective.
That gesture of respect towards Garcia contrasts strongly with his treatment of Haney. While with Ryan the rivalry gave way to understanding, with Haney the tension continues to rise. Romero even claimed that the fight between the two “would no longer make sense” because Haney “has lost relevance in the boxing landscape.”
While Oscar De La Hoya is already considering a rematch between Romero and Garcia, the possible duel between Romero and Haney seems more distant. Romero has mentioned his interest in facing Mario Barrios or even veteran Manny Pacquiao, making it clear that Devin is not among his priorities.
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