The timing worked against Romero. Giyasov’s challenge has already been postponed twice, a situation that has quietly built pressure behind the scenes. The WBA has now signaled that the matter must be settled, and Romero, who recently secured the belt, is the champion tasked with clearing the backlog.
Giyasov, a 2016 Olympian, remained patient as he maintained his place in the rankings. His promoter Eddie Hearn and manager Vadim Kornilov have consistently pushed the sanctioning body to enforce the mandatory, viewing the delays as excessive. There has been no public indication that Giyasov is willing to accept another step aside, especially with his title opportunity having been postponed several times.
On paper, the match presents a real test. Giyasov, now 32, is a disciplined and technically sound fighter who applies steady pressure and maintains structure over long stretches. He has shown durability and composure under fire, traits that tend to neutralize Romero’s more chaotic attacking style. Unlike Romero’s last opponent, Ryan Garcia, Giyasov is not known for disconnecting after being dropped or hurt.
From Romero’s perspective, the appeal is limited. The financial upside is modest compared to potential fights against Pacquiao or Devin Haney, while the risk is significant. Compulsory defenses of this kind often have more harm than reward, especially for champions looking to build commercial momentum.
Whether Romero’s team can reopen discussions about a financial decision remains uncertain. For now, the WBA’s stance has Romero facing a challenger who has waited through multiple delays and appears intent on finally winning his position.
