Rolly Romero to face Isaac Cruz, not Ryan Garcia, in PPV bout
Rolly Romero will defend the WBA super lightweight championship against Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz on March 30 in Las Vegas, Premier Boxing Champions announced Thursday.
The fight will serve as the co-main event to Tim Tszyu versus Keith Thurman on pay-per-view.
Romero had been in talks to face Ryan Garcia next, with the latter tweeting Wednesday that the matchup would take place April 20 as part of a DAZN pay-per-view. However, Romero hinted last weekend that the fight with Garcia had fallen apart and that he would take on Cruz next.
Garcia commented on the situation Thursday, writing on X that he looks forward to announcing another fight.
Look I was informed the deal was finalizing and it would be announced in the coming days.
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) January 25, 2024
Obviously That was a lie.
My patience has been tested the last few weeks. I’m trying my best to be as honest and real as I can to you guys.
I’ll be looking forward to announcing my…
Romero captured the vacant WBA 140-pound title in his most recent bout, defeating Ismael Barroso by ninth-round TKO last May. The American rebounded from his first career loss, a May 2022 knockout against Gervonta "Tank" Davis for the WBA (regular) lightweight title. Romero has a 15-1 pro record.
Cruz is set to challenge for a world title for the second time after coming up short against Davis in December 2021. The 25-year-old Mexican will be fighting at super lightweight for the first time. Cruz is riding a three-fight winning streak and is 25-2 as a pro.
Tszyu, the WBO junior middleweight champion, is scheduled to face Thurman in a non-title bout in the March 30 main event. It will reportedly be a 155-pound catchweight. The card will be PBC's first pay-per-view as part of its new deal with Amazon's Prime Video.