Unbeaten welterweight contender Shakhram Giyasov has accused WBA champion Rolando “Rolly” Romero of avoiding a mandatory title defense for the last seven months. The World Boxing Association (WBA) ordered the bout in October, but Shakhram Giyasov claims the champion has shown no interest in fulfilling the obligation. Tired of the stalemate, the Uzbek fighter will now face Jack Catterall for the WBA “regular” welterweight belt this Saturday, May 23, in Egypt.
The situation at the top of the 147-pound division has left Shakhram Giyasov frustrated as he looks to capitalize on his years of climbing the rankings. Rolando Romero has not stepped into the ring since his victory over Ryan Garcia last year, a win that earned him the WBA welterweight world title. Despite the clear directive from the governing body to face his mandatory challenger, negotiations never reached a conclusion.
The upcoming clash between Shakhram Giyasov and Jack Catterall is part of a high-profile “Glory in Giza” event. The card is headlined by the heavyweight cross-sport spectacle of Oleksandr Usyk against Rico Verhoeven, which has drawn global attention to Egypt. By taking this fight, Shakhram Giyasov hopes to secure a version of the world title and force the WBA to eventually consolidate the belts.
Shakhram Giyasov questions Rolando Romero’s motives
Speaking to The Ring ahead of his trip to Egypt, Shakhram Giyasov did not mince words regarding the champion’s perceived reluctance. When asked directly about the man known as “Rolly,” the fighter responded with a dismissive “Who is this? I don’t know him.” He followed up by stating plainly that he believes Rolando Romero is “scared” to face him in a professional ring.
The unbeaten contender has long struggled to land marquee names at welterweight, a division often criticized for its political roadblocks. While Shakhram Giyasov earned his mandatory position through activity, he has yet to be granted the full title shot he believes he deserves. This weekend’s bout in Giza serves as his most significant opportunity to date to leave that mandatory label behind and claim official “regular” champion status.
Jack Catterall enters the fight as a dangerous opponent who recently transitioned to the 147-pound limit. For the majority of his career, Catterall competed at 140 pounds, but he moved up earlier this year seeking fresh challenges. As Manny Robles warns Christian Mbilli is no easy comeback for elite fighters, Catterall represents a similar stylistic trap for Shakhram Giyasov on the Egyptian sands.
Implications for the WBA welterweight championship
The outcome of the Giyasov-Catterall fight will dictate the next steps for a division that has remained largely stagnant at the top level. If Shakhram Giyasov emerges victorious on May 23, the WBA will face mounting pressure to order a consolidation bout with Rolando Romero. Such a move would aim to crown a single, undisputed WBA representative at welterweight, ending the current split-title situation.
There have been conflicting reports regarding the champion’s future, with some rumors suggesting Rolando Romero might consider retirement. However, as long as he remains the active WBA world champion, he sits directly in the path of the winner of Saturday’s co-feature. The Egyptian event provides a global platform for Shakhram Giyasov to prove he belongs in the conversation with the weight class’s biggest stars.
The fight is scheduled to be broadcast live on DAZN, reaching an international audience alongside the highly anticipated Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven results and coverage. For Shakhram Giyasov, the mission is simple: secure the WBA “regular” belt and make it impossible for the division’s other titleholders to keep looking the other way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Shakhram Giyasov fighting for the WBA ‘regular’ belt?
Shakhram Giyasov is fighting for the WBA ‘regular’ title because the primary champion, Rolando Romero, has failed to move forward with a mandatory defense. This allows the WBA to keep the division active while the primary title remains tied up by the inactive champion.
Who is Shakhram Giyasov fighting this Saturday?
Shakhram Giyasov will be facing Jack Catterall, a British southpaw who moved up from the 140-pound division earlier this year. The match is a key feature of the “Glory in Giza” card taking place in Egypt on May 23.
Where can fans watch the fight between Giyasov and Catterall?
The fight is part of the event headlined by Oleksandr Usyk and will be broadcast live internationally on DAZN. The card takes place at the Giza plateau in Egypt, with the broadcast scheduled for Saturday, May 23.
