WBA welterweight champion Rolando Romero is poised for a summer title defense, according to Boxing News. The bout is expected to take place in August, with trainer Roy Jones Jr. suggesting boxer Mohamed Mimoune as a potential opponent after Romero’s last fight in May 2025.
What happened
Roy Jones Jr. has proposed Mohamed Mimoune as a challenger for Rolando Romero’s voluntary title defense in August. Mimoune, currently ranked number nine by the WBA, recently secured the WBA Regular belt by defeating Shakhram Giyasov. “Catterall is a tough fight, but I think he [Romero] wants a little bit less of a fight,” Jones stated, referencing Romero’s inactivity since May 2025.
Romero had initially been set for a match against Jack Catterall, but Jones believes he would prefer Mimoune for this fight. He suggested, “Mimoune will be ready [for Romero], he ain’t got no choice! When you ain’t the champion, you better be ready for whenever they ring you.” Jones emphasized Mimoune’s experience and clever boxing skills, making him a suitable opponent for Romero.
Why it matters
This potential matchup could affect the future dynamics in the welterweight division. A win for Romero against Mimoune could set the stage for a more anticipated fight with Catterall. Conversely, should Mimoune upset Romero, it would reshape the championship landscape significantly.
Background
On May 20, 2026, Romero competed against Ryan Garcia, marking his last fight and leaving fans eager for his return. Meanwhile, Mimoune’s recent performance brought attention to his potential within the welterweight class, especially since he believes that 147 lbs is his natural weight division after struggling in the super lightweight category.
What’s next
Romero’s team is currently weighing options for the August fight, with Nestor Bravo also being considered as a possible opponent despite his lack of experience at 147 lbs. Final decisions are expected in the coming weeks as they prepare for the title defense.
