Ryan Garcia rematch proposed as Rolly Romero is elevated to welterweight world champion

Rolly Romero is now a two-weight world titleholder after he was elevated to full champion status by the World Boxing Association (WBA) following confirmation that Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is leaving the welterweight division. 

A unified champion at 147lbs, Ennis had previously relinquished his International Boxing Federation (IBF) title in July, with speculation that he would soon become a super welterweight. 

Despite previously winning the WBA super lightweight title, Romero was a major underdog when he faced Ryan Garcia in May, live on DAZN. However, the 29-year-old sent Garcia to the canvas in the second round en route to taking a unanimous decision. 

Romero’s victory over Garcia was one of the biggest upsets seen in 2025, but Ennis’ vacation at 147lbs has increased the significance of that win. 

The WBA’s regular version of the title was on the line at Times Square, a secondary belt that has received a lot of criticism in the past. 

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But with ‘Boots’ moving up to super welterweight, the WBA has chosen to promote Romero to become their ‘super’ champion, bringing him in line with the other major sanctioning bodies’ world championships.  

This adds further intrigue to a potential rematch between Romero and Garcia, which is in the works according to The Ring.  

Talks are already at an advanced stage, with the second bout between the pair currently earmarked for December. 

The promotion of Romero to full champion status coincides with the WBA releasing their recent rankings for all divisions at the end of July. Currently Uzbekistani Shakhram Giyasov is rated number one at welterweight. 

Giyasov had been installed as the mandatory challenger for the WBA title prior to Ennis defeating Emantas Stanionis in April. ‘Boots’ was required to face the Uzbek 120 days after earning the WBA title, but the American has vacated the belt before that deadline. 

It remains to be seen whether the WBA will impose Giyasov as mandatory upon Romero, or allow the rematch with Garcia.  

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