The World Boxing Affiliation (WBA), by its Championship Committee, has greenlit a high-stakes welterweight title struggle between Ryan Garcia and Rolando “Rollie” Romero, scheduled to happen on Might 2 in New York Metropolis.
In a decision issued Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the WBA Committee additionally named Jaron “Boots” Ennis because the group’s Tremendous Champion at 147 kilos. The choice adopted an in-depth analysis of Ennis’s performances, together with a number of defenses of his IBF title and a pristine skilled file of 35-0 with 30 knockouts.
With the brand new designation comes accountability: Ennis is now mandated to defend his Tremendous Championship in opposition to Shakhram Giyasov — the division’s official necessary challenger. Notably, Giyasov beforehand stepped apart to permit a unification bout between Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis, regardless of being subsequent in line for a title shot. Per WBA guidelines, Ennis should face Giyasov inside 120 days of his April 12 victory over Stanionis.
Moreover, the winner of Ennis vs. Giyasov can be required to face the winner of Garcia vs. Romero.
In response to WBA Rule C.17: “In distinctive circumstances, the Championships Committee and the President might designate a Champion as a Tremendous Champion; and should set up standards for a Tremendous Championship. The Committee and President might decide situations and necessities of defenses and retention of such title.”
Performing inside its regulatory authority, the WBA has elevated Ennis to Tremendous Champion standing, whereas Garcia and Romero will battle for the vacant WBA World Welterweight Championship — including much more warmth to an already explosive 147-pound division.
