Veteran reporter Dan Rafael reported that letters are expected to exit this week to formally advance a handbag bid between Rolando Romero and Shakhram Giyasov at welterweight. Once a handbag bid is scheduled, the method sets firm deadlines and reduces a champion’s flexibility in pursuing alternate bouts.
The expected order arrives as Romero has publicly renewed calls for a unification bout with Devin Haney. After an prolonged period without targeting specific opponents, Romero this week directed his focus toward Haney and Ryan Garcia, pushing for larger events and higher-revenue fights.
Sanctioning rules allow a unification to take priority over a compulsory defense. If Romero secures a Haney bout before the purse bid proceeds, the Giyasov obligation may be postponed under WBA guidelines. That procedural detail gives added context to the present discussion.
Giyasov presents a legitimate competitive project at 147 kilos. He brings an completed amateur background, regular forward pressure, and power that has translated on the skilled level. The matchup carries sporting risk even when it lacks the business profile of a Haney or Garcia event.
Haney reacted shortly after Rafael’s report circulated, posting on X, “All is smart now!” The remark didn’t include a direct allegation, nevertheless it referenced the sequence of events because the WBA’s plans became public.
No official order has been issued yet, and no purse bid date has been announced. If the letters are sent as indicated, Romero might want to determine whether to proceed toward the mandatory defense or secure a unification that delays it.
The approaching week should make clear the direction. Once the WBA formalizes its position, Romero’s next move will define the trail forward at welterweight.