Rolando Romero vs Ismael Barroso – Results & Post-Fight Report

In a controversial ending at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Rolando Romero took the WBA super lightweight title with a ninth round stoppage of Ismael Barroso.

The title was on the line due to the uncertainty over Alberto Puello, the former champion who returned an adverse drug test ahead of a meeting with Romero.

Barroso (24-4-2, KO22) surprisingly dominated the opening two rounds, and in the third, he had Romero (15-1, KO13) reeling backwards, with a left hand driving Romero towards the ropes, where the referee scored a knockdown. Barroso was in complete control, frequently backing his opponent up and bullying Romero.

The seventh finally saw some belated success for Romero, who landed a right hand, but it was two rounds later where the contest turned on its head in bizarre circumstances. In the ninth, Romero landed with a left hand and then pulled Barroso down, with the referee scoring a knockdown, and in the final seconds of the frame, Barroso was pulled down again, and with the pair throwing punches, the official somehow called a halt to the bout.

In the other twelve rounder on the bill, Kenneth Sims Jr (20-2-1, KO7) upset Botirzhon Akhmedov (9-3, KO8) by taking a majority decision in their WBA super lightweight title eliminator. Sims took 116-112 and 115-113 verdicts, with a third score of 114-114.

Rances Barthelemy (30-2-1, KO15) also came through via majority verdict, taking the win over ten at welterweight against Omar Juarez (14-2, KO5). Scores of 98-92 and 97-93 won the day for Barthelemy, with a 95-95 card redundant.

Starling Castillo (18-1-1, KO13) took advantage of three point deductions for Esteuri Suero (12-1, KO9) to come through on the cards after ten at super lightweight. Two scores of 95-92, and a third at 94-93 won the day for Castillo.

Michael Angeletti (8-0, KO7) scored an eighth and final round stoppage of Michell Banquez (20-4, KO14) at bantamweight, and at super bantamweight, Chavez Barrientes (8-0, KO6) took all six rounds against Juan Centeno (8-8-3, KO1). His twin brother Also at super bantamweight, Angel Barrientes (10-1, KO6) took a fourth round disqualification win against Sharone Carter (13-7, KO3).

Justin Viloria (2-0, KO2) halted Pedro Pinillo (5-2, KO5) in the forth round of their six rounder at super featherweight, and David Whitmire (2-0, KO1) took a decision win over four at super welterweight against Javier Vargas (3-2, KO3).