By taking this fight, Giyasov is effectively giving Rolando Romero a “get out of jail free” card. Romero no longer has a mandatory shadow hanging over him and can chase the Devin Haney unification or any other big money fight without fear of being stripped.
The moment Giyasov wins that Ordinary belt, he is no longer WBA mandatory. He becomes a “champion”. In the twisted logic of sanctioning bodies, a champion does not have a mandatory right to fight another champion unless a consolidation is ordered, which could delay the WBA for years.
Giyasov is positioned as the WBA mandatory at 147, putting him in line for a shot at Rolando Romero. Under normal circumstances, a fighter stays put in that position and protects the ranking.
Giyasov does the opposite. He has agreed to face Jack Catterall for the vacant WBA “ordinary” welterweight title on May 23, taking on a tough opponent who brings a style that can neutralize offense and win rounds without taking damage.
Catterall is the ultimate treat. For a guy like Giyasov, who needs rhythm and distance to set up his power, Catterall is a nightmare. He’s not a massive “money name” in the US, but he’s incredibly hard to beat. Giyasov is essentially fighting a “Shakur-lite” southpaw who will clinch, move and work his way to a decision.
The Usyk-Verhoeven “Glory in Giza” card is a massive financial engine backed by Turki Alalshikh and Saudi-Egyptian investors.
Giyasov may realize that the “life-changing payday” against Rolly is never actually going to happen. This Giza fight probably now offers him the biggest purse of his career.
If he loses, his career at the highest level is likely over. But if he wins, he keeps a belt, gets a career-high payday and stands directly in the way of the Haney-Romero winner.
