A potential title fight controversy is brewing in the boxing world, and it involves the highly anticipated WBA 147lb championship. The core issue? A top-ranked contender's patience is wearing thin, and the champion-elect seems to have other plans.
Uzbek welterweight Shakhram Giyasov has been patiently waiting for his shot at the WBA title, holding the No. 1 ranking for some time. Giyasov agreed to step aside and let Jaron "Boots" Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis unify their titles, with the understanding that he'd get his chance against the winner. Ennis emerged victorious, but instead of facing Giyasov, he moved up to the 154lb division. This left the lesser WBA regular titleholder, Rolando "Rolly" Romero, as the new full world champion.
But here's where it gets controversial: Romero, who is also promoted by Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing, has been in talks for a fight with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. Giyasov, still the mandatory challenger, is left waiting for his promised title shot. It seems Romero isn't keen on facing Giyasov anytime soon, and instead, wants to test his skills against the Hall of Famer.
"We've been mandated to fight Rolly Romero," Hearn revealed to BoxingScene. "His team has put in an exemption request to face Manny Pacquiao, which we don't think is fair. Shakhram Giyasov has been waiting patiently, and we believe the WBA shouldn't allow this special exemption."
Giyasov's team has sent a letter to the WBA, objecting to any special permits that would excuse Romero from his mandatory obligation. Frank Smith, CEO of Matchroom Boxing, has also stated that they will push the WBA to give Giyasov his deserved opportunity.
"It's frustrating for Shakhram," Smith said. "He agreed to step aside for the Ennis unification fight, and then he was supposed to fight for the WBA title next. Now, there are talks of Romero fighting Manny Pacquiao. Shakhram just wants to fight for the world title, and it's our job to make that happen. We'll be pushing the WBA hard, and we're hopeful that he gets this chance because he truly deserves it."
So, will the WBA grant Romero's request, or will they uphold Giyasov's right to his title shot? And what does this mean for the future of the welterweight division? These questions remain unanswered, leaving boxing fans eager for the next chapter in this intriguing story.
