Bold reality check: Shakhram Giyasov may have to wait longer for a WBA welterweight title shot. The Uzbek contender has sat atop the WBA 147lb rankings for a while, agreeing to step aside so Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis could unify the WBA and IBF titles, with the plan that Giyasov would fight the winner. Ennis defeated Stanionis in six rounds and, since both Ennis and Giyasov are aligned with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, many assumed Giyasov would finally get his chance.
However, plans shifted. Ennis moved up to 154lbs, and Rolando “Rolly” Romero — holder of the WBA’s secondary title — was elevated to full world champion status. Romero’s mandatory status for Giyasov remains, but Romero doesn’t appear eager to fight Giyasov soon. Instead, Romero is reportedly negotiating a bout with Manny Pacquiao, who is pursuing another welterweight title opportunity after a draw with Mario Barrios in July.
The Haney–Benn matchup intrigue: Will Eddie Hearn block a Devin Haney vs. Conor Benn fight?
Boxing pundit Paulie Malignaggi doubts that Hearn would press forward with a Haney–Benn clash. In a recent segment, he argues the project may stall for reasons beyond a simple promotional preference, breaking down what’s really keeping the fight from materializing.
Promoter pushback on Romero vs. Pacquiao: Hearn confirms Romero has petitioned the WBA to bypass his mandatory obligation and face Pacquiao instead. “We’ve been mandated to fight Rolly Romero, and Romero’s team has filed an exemption request to fight Manny Pacquiao, which I don’t believe is even approved yet,” Hearn told BoxingScene. Giyasov’s side has already filed a formal objection to any exemption that would excuse Romero from fulfilling his mandatory duties, and Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith indicates the aim is to secure Giyasov’s title opportunity.
Smith stressed that Giyasov’s frustration is understandable. He reminded that, back in April, Giyasov agreed to step aside to enable Ennis–Stanionis to unify, with the expectation that Giyasov would compete for the WBA belt next. “Romero talking about Pacquiao is not the plan,” Smith said. “Our focus remains on delivering a world title shot for Shakhram. He deserves it, and we’ll push the WBA hard to make that opportunity happen.”
In short, the path to the world title for Giyasov remains uncertain as negotiations continue, and the boxing world watches to see whether Romero’s Pacquiao talks derail the WBA timeline or if a fair title opportunity for Giyasov will finally materialize.
