Well that’s a first?
WBA light welterweight champion Rolly Romero has argued that boxing promoters are damaging the sport by overpaying fighters, suggesting that the UFC’s compensation model might be more effective.
“I’m tired of people, this is coming from a fighter, but you guys shouldn’t be overpaying fighters because then it makes them not want to actually perform,” Romero stated in a recent interview. “Especially when you have fights lined up for your next fight and all that stuff, right?”
Romero’s comments address a growing concern about fighter motivation when guaranteed large paydays regardless of performance. “It’s sad. Like, all I got to do is survive this fight for a next paycheck and it’s really messing up the sport,” he continued.
The outspoken boxer specifically pointed to the UFC’s performance-based pay structure as a potential solution: “You guys got to do it like the UFC does, like you do a poor performance. Y’all ain’t getting no damn money.”
Romero, who holds a professional record that includes two losses, also criticized fighters who prioritize maintaining an undefeated record over challenging themselves against tough competition.
“That’s why all these individuals keep protecting their O. ‘Oh, I’m undefeated, I’m undefeated.’ Like look, I have two losses, right? Both of my losses come from big fights, but it’s never derailed anything. I’m still here,” he explained.
The champion expressed frustration with fighters who avoid difficult matchups, suggesting that financial guarantees have diminished fighters’ competitive spirit. “Unlike these other dudes, they want to protect their O. They want to be like, ‘oh, it’s not enough money, so I’m not going to fight.’ These guys, they all only fight for money and it’s sad and it’s destroying the sport.”
Romero concluded with a blunt assessment of undefeated records built against lesser opposition: “All that undefeated record, that don’t mean anything if you’re not fighting nobody. Nobody cares about it. Nobody cares about you.”
His comments have sparked debate within boxing circles about whether the sport’s traditional payment structures are indeed contributing to risk-averse matchmaking and disappointing performances from top talents.
