BYy Jake Donovan
Published Tue Jan 11, 2022, 01:37 AM EST
Source: Boxing Scene
Photo: Boxing Scene
Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero is free to resume his boxing career. A months-long investigation into allegations of sexual assault has concluded with no charges to be filed against the unbeaten lightweight contender. Accusations were made last October by 24-year-old Izabel Zambrano, accusing Romero of sexual assault from a September 2020 encounter in the boxer’s North Las Vegas apartment.
The matter was presented to the Henderson Police Department, who opened a case file in late October. Romero was due to face unbeaten rising star Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis (26-0, 24KOs) at the time, but was removed from the December 5 Showtime Pay-Per-View event in Los Angeles once an official investigation was underway. “After [two] and a half months of my name being slandered with false accusations, having to miss out on opportunities, cheated out of my dream, and out of a massive amount of wealth – [t]he investigation into the allegations made against me has been formally closed,” Romero revealed Monday evening through his verified social media account. “Charges were not filed because the allegations could not be substantiated because, as I always stated, I am innocent.”
Despite Romero's claim, the state of the case does not completely clear him of any wrongdoing. Rather, Henderson PD authorities was not in a position to proceed any further at this time.
Romero (14-0, 12KOs) lost out on the lucrative opportunity less than two weeks after taking part in an on-site press conference October 21 outside the venue formerly known as Staples Center. The daytime presser saw Romero—shirtless and only sporting a fur coat in 80-degree heat—hurl a series of profanities at Davis, with the event making the media rounds before he was ultimately removed from the show on November 1 through a joint decision between Showtime, Mayweather Promotions—who promotes Romero and Davis–and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).
Romero was replaced by Mexico’s Isaac Cruz, who dropped a twelve-round, unanimous decision but—in going the distance—managed to snap Davis’ 16-fight knockout streak. The development has left Romero out of the ring since a seventh-round knockout of former junior welterweight title challenger Anthony Yigit last July 17 on Showtime from AT&T Center in San Antonio. Romero’s last three fights have aired live on Showtime, which will likely house his next fight whether in a rescheduled clash with Davis or versus another top lightweight. “I am now the symbol of freedom, purity, and love known as ‘The Boxer Formally [sic] Known as Rolly,’” noted Romero. “Now all you hating mf’ can suck my fat black c-ck.”
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