Haney Moves On From Romero Negotiations

WBO Welterweight Champion Devin Haney (33-0, 15 KOs) says he is moving on from the negotiations with Rolando Romero (17-2, 13 KOs), citing a gap in financial expectations and labeling Romero “delusional.” 

The 27-year-old Haney, who captured the WBO Welterweight Title in November 2025, made it clear that he will not be undervalued as the “A-side” of the promotion: “Rolly delusional acting like he some kind of draw but can’t sell out a ballroom. That’s why the fight hasn’t been made yet… the money isn’t right. I’m looking at other options.”

Talks for a May 30 clash at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn appeared “serious” as recently as last week, but the deal collapsed over the following sticking points:

• The Valuation Gap: Romero (17-2, 13 KOs), the current WBA Welterweight Champion, reportedly requested a split that Haney’s team deemed unrealistic.

• The “Mandatory” Leverage: Haney encouraged Romero to pursue his WBA mandatory obligation (Shakhram Giyasov) instead.

If Romero does not fight Haney, he may have to vacate the belt if he doesn’t take on Giyasov unless a step-aside deal can be agreed.