The WBA is preparing to move forward with Rolando Romero’s mandatory defense against Shakhram Giyasov, and the timing has shifted attention to his recent unification talk.
Veteran reporter Dan Rafael reported that letters are expected to go out this week to formally promote a purse bid between Rolando Romero and Shakhram Giyasov at welterweight. Once a purse bid is scheduled, the process imposes fixed deadlines and reduces a champion’s flexibility to pursue alternative fights.
The expected order comes as Romero has publicly renewed calls for a unification match with Devin Haney. After a long period without targeting specific opponents, Romero turned his focus to Haney and Ryan Garcia this week, pushing for bigger events and higher-grossing fights.
Sanctions rules allow a merger to take priority over a mandatory defense. If Romero secures a Haney bout before the purse bid goes ahead, the Giyasov obligation could be postponed under WBA guidelines. That procedural detail gives additional context to the current discussion.
Giyasov presents a legitimate competitive assignment at 147 pounds. He brings a skilled amateur background, consistent forward pressure and power that has translated at the professional level. The match carries sporting risk, even if it lacks the commercial profile of a Haney or Garcia event.
Haney responded shortly after Rafael’s report circulated, posting on X: “Everything makes sense now!” The comment did not include a direct allegation, but it referred to the sequence of events as the WBA’s plans became public.
No official order has yet been issued, and no tender offer date has been announced. If the letters are sent as indicated, Romero will have to determine whether to proceed to the mandatory defense or to secure a union that delays it.
The coming week should make the direction clear. Once the WBA formalizes its position, Romero’s next step will determine the way forward at welterweight.
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Last updated on 2026/03/02 at 02:45
