Rolando Romero rose from the canvas to controversially claim the WBA super lightweight belt with a nine-round knockout victory over Ismael Barroso on Saturday night in Las Vegas.
Romero, who was coming off a loss to Gervonta Davis, faced the Venezuelan with the intention of taking the win with one punch and for several rounds gave his opponent space. One of the most important moments came in the third round when Barroso sent him to the canvas with an overhead blow that went in without any problems thanks to his off guard.
After recovering some ground thanks to the middle distance, Romero managed to take Barroso to the ropes in the ninth round, and there, between ineffective punches and a couple of thrusts, he convinced referee Tony Weeks that it was time to stop the fight, although the Venezuelan was not that hurt.
"I'm going to be honest, (Barroso) is a warrior and should have been allowed to continue. I boxed from start to finish. I started off a bit cold and got hit hard, but I picked myself up and kept fighting like a champion. I took my time and moved. This man was strong and I had to be careful with him," said Rolly still in the ring despite the boos from the crowd.
For Barroso, the fight was badly stopped, but in the end, Tony Weeks declined to give a statement on his decision.
In the main event, former champion Rances Barthelemy was on hand for the night's boxing and defeated Omar Juarez by a majority decision in a 10-rounder.
Barthelemy returned to winning ways, after that loss in July last year to Gary Antuanne Russell, thanks to scorecards of 98-92, 97-93 and 95-95.
"I tried to win this fight the smart way, using my brain against a young fighter, and that's what I did. I understand that most of the fans here are Mexican and have been rooting for Juarez, but I was counting on my people too. I'm looking forward to a rematch against Gary Antuanne Russell more than a title fight. I want it more than anything," declared the Cuban at the end of the fight.