Rolando “Rolly” Romero has dropped a bombshell just days after his stunning unanimous decision victory over Ryan Garcia on May 2 in Times Square, revealing a secret that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world. In an exclusive interview on May 6 with FightHype, Romero disclosed that he had been battling a severe hand injury throughout his training camp, claiming, “I was fighting with one hand—my right was fractured for weeks, and I still knocked Garcia down!”
Romero’s Stunning Confession
Romero’s revelation adds a dramatic layer to his upset win over Garcia, where he secured the WBA (Regular) welterweight title with scores of 115-112, 115-112, and 118-109. The 29-year-old underdog floored Garcia in the second round with a double left hook, a moment that defined the fight, and went on to outbox the heavily favored “King Ry” over 12 rounds. “Everyone thought I was the easy target, but I was hiding a fractured right hand the whole camp,” Romero confessed. “I couldn’t even spar properly—every punch hurt like hell. But I knew I had to dig deep and show the world what I’m made of.”
The confession has sparked widespread debate, with some praising Romero’s grit and others questioning why he didn’t disclose the injury sooner. Garcia, who admitted post-fight that the year-long layoff following his doping ban had taken a toll, has yet to respond to Romero’s revelation. However, the disclosure casts new light on Romero’s disciplined performance, where he relied heavily on his left hand and bodywork to control the fight, landing 54 total punches compared to Garcia’s 65, according to CompuBox stats.
A Career-Defining Victory Under Duress
Romero’s win was already a career-defining moment, derailing Garcia’s planned rematch with Devin Haney and thrusting Romero into the welterweight spotlight with a record of 17-2. Posts found on X reflect the boxing community’s shock, with many fans now hailing Romero as a “warrior” for fighting through such adversity. Yet, Romero’s decision to advocate for the Garcia-Haney rematch despite his victory—stating, “I think Devin and Ryan should get their rematch and make a big one”—has only added to the intrigue surrounding his mindset.
The injury revelation also raises questions about Romero’s future. With a fractured hand, his ability to defend his newly won title against top contenders like Haney or even a returning Garcia could be in jeopardy. Some analysts speculate that Romero’s disclosure might be a strategic move to garner sympathy and support, while others see it as a testament to his resilience, especially after his previous knockout loss to Isaac Cruz in 2024.
What’s Next for Romero and Garcia?
As the boxing world digests Romero’s shocking admission, the focus shifts to his next move. Will he heal in time to face a top welterweight, or will his injury force a delay in his title reign? For Garcia, the loss—and now this revelation—complicates his path back to the top, with his mental and physical readiness already under scrutiny after a lackluster performance. The Times Square stunner, watched by legends like Mike Tyson and Roberto Durán, has taken on an even more dramatic hue, leaving fans and fighters alike wondering what other secrets the ring might hold.
