Ask any renowned boxing legend about what it takes to rule the ring and they’ll tell you that it’s more than just strength and technique. Grit, determination, sheer willpower, and a robust psyche are all part of the sport’s DNA. And this has certainly been emphasized with the recent match where Rolando Romero, known as “Rolly,” lost to Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz. This shocking development caused De La Hoya and Hopkins to share a hearty laugh about each hit Rolly took.
Going into the fight, Rolly was the favourite. His outlandish demeanor and savage power had already captivated the boxing universe, and many were sure this would be another notch in his win column. However, this narrative was flipped on its head when Pitbull Cruz started landing strategic punches against Rolly. His loss prompted immediate reactions from the boxing community, including boxing legends, De La Hoya and Hopkins.
Both De La Hoya and Hopkins laughed off the cocky demeanour Rolly maintained pre-match. Their chuckles were not malicious but seemed to highlight the age-old boxing wisdom: ‘Underestimating your opponent is the first step towards losing’. They both know this better than anyone, having faced numerous upsets in their respective illustrious careers.
Oscar De La Hoya, one of the most revered boxers of his generation, witnessed many victories and defeats during his time in the ring. There’s always a lesson to be learned, and De La Hoya was quick to point out that Rolly’s defeat wasn’t just about physical power. The real deal is also mental agility and adaptability, something Pitbull Cruz demonstrated effectively throughout the fight.
Bernard Hopkins, another legend of the sport, echoed De La Hoya’s sentiments. Known for his sheer determination and undefeated record in the middleweight division, Hopkins identified the lack of strategic planning on Rolly’s part as the reason for his failure. Hopkins, himself a strategic player, recognized Cruz’s quick punches and his ability to anticipate Rolly’s moves, which ultimately led him to secure his victory.
Both De La Hoya and Hopkins, with myriad experiences in and out of the boxing ring, understand that the match’s results aren’t always tethered to a boxer’s fame or grandeur. In this case, Rolly, who had emerged as a crowd favorite with the prior media build-up, found himself on the losing end due to his inability to adapt his strategies mid-fight. Whether Rolly uses this loss as a stepping stone for such adaptation and growth remains to be seen.
In the end, this surprising result has spoken volumes about the unpredictable nature of the sport, a reminder that in boxing, anything is possible. Further, it serves as a wake-up call to emerging boxers that the path to glory isn’t always as clean-cut as it seems; even the favourites falter, and underdogs can have their day.
This match and its result, laughed at by boxing giants De La Hoya and Hopkins, goes down in history as yet another lesson on the unpredictability of the sport. No fight is written in stone until the final punch is thrown, proving once again that in boxing, it’s not over until it’s over.
