The August 15th edition of Showtime Championship Boxing will feature Rolando "Rolly" Romero taking on fellow unbeaten Jackson Maríñez in a twelve-round battle for the interim WBA lightweight title. [The WBA already recognizes Vasiliy Lomachenko as super champion, Gervonta Davis as regular champion and Yvan Mendy as gold champion. Romero has never gone more than six rounds and has never been in a fight scheduled for ten rounds].

 

Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev., Romero (11-0, 10 KOs) added three knockout victories to his tally in 2019 before his 2020 debut saw him stop previously unbeaten Arturs Ahmetovs in February. A member of the Mayweather Promotions team, the 24 year-old will look to extend his six-fight knockout streak on August 15th. "It feels great to return to the ring and to be fighting for such a great opportunity," said Romero. "This has been the best camp of my career, and I'll just say this, if a pandemic is holding you back from training, then you don't want it bad enough. I already believe I should be here with the top guys, but the world will actually get to see that I am who I say I am. I'm confident in my abilities as a fighter and I have the best in the business, Floyd Mayweather, behind me. I think this fight will end fairly quickly, but you will get to see the growth in me as a fighter. This is another fight that will further prove I'm here to stay. Sign up for KO's!"

 

"This is a big step up for Rolando, and he's been waiting for the opportunity to showcase his talent," said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. "He has a big test ahead to prove himself. This is going to be another one that you don't want to miss, so tune-in to Showtime on Saturday, August 15th."

 

The 29-year-old Maríñez (19-0, 7 KOs) holds victories over Esneiker Correa, Rolando Giono and Kenin Betancourt while picking up eight wins between 2018 and 2019. Representing his native Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Maríñez was successful in his U.S. debut in December of last year, stopping Yardley Armenta Cruz in two rounds.

 

"I've had a great training camp for this fight," said Maríñez. "I've been sparring with Vergil Ortiz and Jose Ramirez, plus other fighters in Robert Garcia's gym, and it's gotten me ready to step into the ring. I know that Romero is a tough and durable fighter, so it won't be easy, but I'm going to do anything I can to bring the title back home