The comment came as Rolly, 30, was discussing Haney and the possibility of the two 147-pound champions meeting in the ring.

Haney responded on social media today after comments that went viral, rejecting Romero’s argument and saying that results involving other fighters do not determine the outcome of a future fight.

“Triangle theories don’t work in boxing,” Haney said on Program X. “Rolly will be strengthened by me.”

Former undisputed lightweight champion Haney then further mocked that logic by listing a string of results involving several fighters.

“Rolly was shaped by Barroso, Barroso was shaped by O’Hara Davies, Davies was shaped by Josh Taylor, Taylor was shaped by Teo, Teo was shaped by Kambosos, it all leads back to ME,” Haney said.

The exchange of words takes place as both fighters continue to discuss a possible unification fight in the welterweight division. Rolly holds the WBA title and Haney holds the WBO belt, creating the potential for a two-belt fight if negotiations are completed.

There have been discussions about rescheduling the fight between both champions for later this year, although neither side has confirmed that a deal has been finalized.

Devin will likely enter the fight as the clear favorite against Rolly (17-2, 13 KO), who moved up to welterweight after competing at a lighter weight earlier in his career.

Romero defeated Ryan Garcia via 12-round unanimous decision on May 2, 2025, which increased attention on potential welterweight fights. The fight took place in Recent York and was one of the biggest victories in Romero’s career.

He hasn’t fought since that victory, analyzing possible high-profile fights.

One issue with Romero’s schedule is his tardy mandatory defense against Shakhram Giyasov. The Uzbek contender has been a top contender for the WBA title for a long time, but a title fight has not been ordered or finalized yet.

It is unclear whether the WBA will allow Romero to directly enter a unification fight with Haney without meeting Giyasov first. Sanctioning bodies sometimes allow champions to postpone mandatory defenses before unification fights, although no decision has been announced.

Negotiations between Haney and Romero are still ongoing.

Boxing has long been crying out for another true knockout artist after Deontay Wilder’s gradual decline towards the end of his career.

There are still champions and challengers in the heavyweight division, but it’s increasingly arduous to find the kind of raw knockout threat that once made Wilder must-watch TV.

Thomas Narmo may still be a long way from that level, but early signs suggest the Norwegian known as ‘The Last Viking’ could finally enter the conversation if his current form continues.

The 31-year-old knocked out all 14 of his opponents in just 26 rounds, a devastating start that made the heavyweight division another uncommon artist who can boast a 100 percent knockout record.

He turned professional in 2022 following his previous MMA career.

The heavyweight numbers stand out

Much of the heavyweight buzz at the moment centers around undefeated prospect Moses Itauma, a teenage sensation who has been carefully developed by promoter Frank Warren into one of the UK’s most talked-about prospects.

Itauma’s rise has dominated the headlines, but an unknown like Narmo coming out of European competition with a perfect knockout record provides a refreshing contrast.

However, the effectiveness of Narmo’s work to date cannot be ignored.

The statuesque Norwegian is 180 cm statuesque and in the distance he broke through 14 professional opponents. That works out to roughly 1.8 rounds per fight, which is a remarkable finishing rate for any potential heavyweight.

Many of these attacks barely had time to develop.

Seven of Narmo’s wins have come after the opening round, highlighting the strength of the early fight that defined his perfect knockout record.

This destructiveness traditionally turns heavyweights into attractions. Fighters who can end fights before they actually start quickly attract attention, even if they operate outside the sport’s main promotional spotlight.

Two years of operation

Activism also played a role in building Narmo’s momentum. The Norwegian fought ten times in just two years, fighting mainly in Germany and Central Europe, constantly extending his knockout streak.

At a time when many prospects are sluggish to come along and only show up a few times a year, this level of activity adds extra substance to his record.

It doesn’t answer all the questions, but it shows that Narmo doesn’t stay idle between appearances.

Still a lot to prove

Narmo’s most notable win at the moment is probably that of Mark De Mori, the veteran campaigner who lasted just 131 seconds in a match against a semi-injured David Haye over a decade ago.

The victory was respectable, but not necessarily a statement.

There is still a lot to prove. In the heavyweight division, many fighters have broken impressive records before discovering that the leap to world-class competition is much more arduous than expected.

For Narmo, the real test will come when matchmaking inevitably pushes him towards higher ranked opponents capable of weathering the early storm.

However, if knockouts continue at this rate, boxing’s “Last Viking” may not remain an unknown for long.

About the author

Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.

Boxing News is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with KRONK Boxing Gym to bring fans closer to the heritage and heritage represented by both brands.

The history of these two boxing institutions is widely known throughout the sporting community, but now there is an opportunity for them to collaborate on forward-thinking ideas and stories based on nostalgia.

Boxing News magazine first appeared in 1909, with its founder John Murray stating that “boxing would stand for good, immaculate sport.” Since then, the publication has maintained its core principles of integrity, accuracy and independent journalism, maintaining its position as one of the leading voices in sports.

In December 2025, Boxing News released its last weekly issue, after which it became a monthly magazine again, allowing for more in-depth storytelling and longer articles. Additionally, its digital platforms have seen a significant augment in engagement, and on March 5, 2026, Boxing News reported that since January 1, 2026, it has gained 262 million views, 268,000 modern followers and reached 54 million people.

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Boxing News director Jordan Pollock said:

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KRONK Boxing Gym was founded by legendary trainer Emanuel Steward in 1971 and boasts alumni of iconic former world champions including Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko, Michael Moorer and Gerald McClellan. After two closures since 2006, the gym reopened in a modern location – the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center at 670 Wilkins Street in Detroit – in December 2025. CEO Paul Bhatti welcomed the partnership with BN.

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As part of the collaboration, Boxing News and KRONK will also share archival content from the gym’s storied past, including uncommon interviews, sparring sessions and training materials that capture fighters, moments and the enduring legacy of the Detroit institution.

Boxing News and KRONK look forward to building a partnership that puts impactful storytelling and retro boxing content at the forefront.