Ismael Barroso is clearly eager for a rematch against Rolando "Rolly" Romero but believes Romero will shy away after testing his lethal power in their clash last Saturday night.
The formidable Venezuelan challenger undeniably merits another opportunity to face Romero, considering the contentious halt to their 140-pound championship bout in the ninth round on Saturday night at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. However, Barroso understands that securing a rematch with Romero is very unlikely to happen.
"He’s not gonna wanna fight me again because when I hit him, he felt my power. He’s not gonna wanna feel it again." Barroso told BoxingScene.com.
At 40 years old, Barroso connected with a left hand that sent Romero to the canvas in the third round. Following that knockdown, Romero (15-1, 13 KOs) displayed a noticeable hesitancy to engage with Barroso (24-4-2, 22 KOs). However, in the ninth round, Romero managed to inflict damage on the formidable southpaw with a powerful left hook.
As a result of the left hook, Romero pushed Barroso to the ground, yet referee Tony Weeks ruled it as a knockdown in favor of Romero.
In a peculiar turn of events, referee Tony Weeks unexpectedly intervened and stopped the fight between Barroso and Romero later in the ninth round. Barroso adeptly evaded most of Romero's punches in the lead-up to the stoppage and even landed a punch of his own just before Weeks intervened.
"I thought I was winning every single round. I felt really good. But then again, it’s the ref that has the power to make that kind of decision. All I can hope for now is to get the rematch and show what I’m worth once again. All I ask for is an opportunity for the rematch and to show the fans that I can be an even better fighter. I wanna go out there and really go after him. So, give me the chance. That’s all I’m asking for."
Barroso had a favorable lead on all three scorecards leading up to the ninth round. Judges Steve Weisfeld (78-73), David Sutherland (77-74), and Tim Cheatham (76-75) had Romero trailing by five, three, and one point, respectively, after eight rounds.
Osmiri Fernandez, who serves as Barroso's trainer and manager, also disclosed to BoxingScene.com that they will file a formal protest with the Nevada State Athletic Commission on behalf of Barroso.
Beatrice Adamu is a writer for AceTVBoxing.com. She can be reached on Twitter @oh_stillbella or via email: adamubeatrice13@gmail.com.
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