Rolly Romero Firmly Rejects Claressa Shields' Fight Challenge: 'I Do Not Hit Women'

WBA welterweight champion shuts down cross-gender callout, citing moral boundaries as verbal beef reignites

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:21am

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In the latest chapter of one of boxing's most unusual feuds, undefeated women's superstar Claressa Shields has once again claimed she could defeat men's WBA 'Regular' welterweight champion Rolando 'Rolly' Romero in the ring — only for Romero to respond with an emphatic refusal rooted in principle rather than fear.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around cross-gender matchups in combat sports, with Shields' confidence clashing against Romero's moral stance. It also reignites a long-running feud between the two fighters, raising questions about the boundaries between men's and women's divisions in boxing.

The details

Shields, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and multi-division world champion, made her bold assertion during a recent appearance, noting Romero's unorthodox style but emphasizing her physical advantages. Romero, 17-2 (13 KOs) and coming off a dominant victory, addressed the repeated callouts, firmly stating: 'She and I will never be in a ring. I do not hate women. She's great… but there are males and females, and it's divided for a reason.' He doubled down, making his position crystal clear: 'I just don't hit women. It's not even about the money. Twenty million [dollars], thirty million, a hundred million — I wouldn't sell myself to go hit a woman. It's not in my moral compass to go hit a woman.'

  • Three years ago, Romero tweeted about footage of Shields allegedly being dropped in sparring by Latvian fighter Arturs Ahmetovs.
  • Reports indicate Romero has signed for a potential unification clash with WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney on May 30 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, though Haney's side remains in negotiations.

The players

Rolando 'Rolly' Romero

The WBA 'Regular' welterweight champion who has firmly rejected Claressa Shields' challenge to fight him, citing moral boundaries.

Claressa Shields

The two-time Olympic gold medalist and multi-division world champion (18-0, 3 KOs) who has repeatedly claimed she could defeat Romero in the ring.

Devin Haney

The WBO welterweight champion who is in negotiations for a potential unification clash with Romero on May 30 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

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What they’re saying

“I'd beat Rolly; he's a world champion. I'm way taller than him, way longer than him, and have got better boxing skills. It's hard for somebody who's smaller to hurt somebody who's bigger. I walk around at 185 [pounds], he fights at 140. Or is it '47?'”

— Claressa Shields (The Justin Laboy Show)

“I don't know why specifically it's me. I think, of course, she is the greatest fighter of all time. The greatest female fighter of all time. There's no ifs, buts, or questions about that. But I don't know why she always targets me.”

— Rolando 'Rolly' Romero (Mr. Verzace Podcast)

“I just don't hit women. It's not even about the money. Twenty million [dollars], thirty million, a hundred million — I wouldn't sell myself to go hit a woman. It's not in my moral compass to go hit a woman.”

— Rolando 'Rolly' Romero (Nightcap)

What’s next

Reports indicate Rolando 'Rolly' Romero has signed for a potential unification clash with WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney on May 30 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, though Haney's side remains in negotiations.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around cross-gender matchups in combat sports, with Shields' confidence clashing against Romero's moral stance. It also reignites a long-running feud between the two fighters, raising questions about the boundaries between men's and women's divisions in boxing.