Fans Outraged as Rolly Romero Ducks Giyasov, Who Vowed to Win World Title for His Daughter Before Her Death

Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero posted a smiling emoji on X today, responding to the criticism he’s receiving from posters for dodging his overdue WBA mandatory Shakhram Giyasov in favor of finalizing a fight against soon-to-be 47-year-old Manny Pacquiao for January 2026. Rolly-Pacquiao is a business fight.

Rolly Mocks Fans With Emoji

Along with the smiling emoji, WBA welterweight champion Rolly (17-2, 13 KOs) posted a short message, saying, “Who is Rolly fighting next?” The message indicates that Romero is trolling fans, letting them know that he’s not bothered by the backlash he’s receiving over ducking Giyasov in favor of a fight against Pacquiao.

A Daughter’s Dream Denied

What makes Rolly look worse is that Giyasov had reportedly promised his 2-year-old daughter that he would become a world champion before she passed away from an illness in March 2025. It was a brain disease that took her life.

“It’s a fight for my daughter, it’s a victory for my daughter. I promised my daughter I would be a world champion. She believed me, I did it,” said Giyasov following his fourth-round knockout win over Franco Ocampo on April 12, 2025.

Giyasov’s mandated title shot is overdue, having been ordered on April 22, 2025. At that time, Jaron Ennis was still the WBA champion after defeating former belt-holder Eimantas Stanionis to capture his title on April 12th.

Will the WBA Step In?

The WBA should not allow Romero to swerve Giyasov in favor of a fight against Pacquiao. Rolly should be ordered to defend against Giyasov or stripped of his belt if he goes through with the Pacquiao fight.

The Filipino star Pacquiao (62-8-3, 39 KOs) has fought just once in the last four years, since August 2021, battling to a 12-round majority draw against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19, 2025. Pacquiao doesn’t deserve a second world title shot.

Giyasov has been the WBA mandatory since June 17, 2023. The WBA waited a year before ordering the former welterweight champion Eimantas Stanionis to defend against Giyasov. Instead, he chose to fight the IBF champion Jaron Ennis in a unification.