Rolando Romero Says Ryan Garcia Turned Down Rematch

Romero says deal for second fight was already in place

Rolando “Rolly” Romero says a rematch with Ryan Garcia had already been agreed after their first fight. According to Romero, Garcia chose not to move forward with the deal.

Speaking to Mr. Verzace of Ring Magazine, Romero explained that the plan following their initial meeting was straightforward. The rivalry was supposed to continue immediately.

“Me and Ryan had a rematch,” Romero said. “We had the whole deal set up, and he just decided not to take it.”

Romero said the schedule at the time involved Garcia settling unfinished business with Devin Haney before returning to face him again.

“The original deal was he was supposed to rematch Devin and then rematch me,” Romero said.

When the Garcia-Haney rematch stalled, Romero believed their own second fight would move to the front of the line. Instead, Garcia moved toward other opportunities and the expected sequel disappeared from the schedule.

The delay left Romero exploring other options. At one stage there were discussions about a potential fight with Manny Pacquiao, though that matchup also failed to reach the contract stage.

The time away from competition ended up serving a different purpose for Romero. He said the break allowed him to deal with personal issues before stepping back into serious preparation.

“I’m happy I didn’t fight in that time because I wasn’t right,” Romero said. “I needed time to focus on myself.”

Garcia eventually shifted toward opportunities at welterweight while Romero began looking at other routes forward. The rivalry that once appeared destined for a quick second chapter never materialized.

Romero says the door remains open if the circumstances line up.

For now his attention has moved to the welterweight division, where discussions are ongoing about a potential fight with Devin Haney on May 30. If that bout becomes official, Romero could find himself back in the title conversation while the unfinished business with Garcia remains unresolved.