On the eve of his third fight in Portland, the super middleweight Marco Romero is already targeting bringing a world-title showdown to the city.
Kansas’ Romero, 6-0 (5KOs) and 19 years old, will on Saturday fight his fellow American Nafys Anas Garner, 4-2 (3KOs) and aged 25. He has already recorded victories there over Jonathan Gary and Orlando Salgado, and is also on course to fight again on July 25 in Atlantic City, at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino.
Referencing his trainer John Brown, his advisor Al Valenti, his father and assistant trainer Salvatore Romero, and his assistant trainer Sergio Flores, Romero said: “I’m more motivated than ever and couldn’t be happier to see the plan unfolding like we talked about a couple of years ago with coach John, Uncle Al, my father and Sergio.
“I’m ready and excited to be fighting again in Portland. I would love to bring a world-title fight to Portland, where people appreciate good boxing. Traveling to fight is something I’m used to from my amateur days. Portland is like my second home because I’ve been treated so well there by everyone.
“I have big respect for Bobby Russo [my promoter]. He’s an amazing guy who has shown me respect from the start. He gave me my Golden Boy [Most Outstanding Boxer Award; Russo is president of the National Golden Gloves), when I won my division at the [2024] National Golden Gloves.”
“Marco is excited to be fighting again in his adoptive city of Portland, which has the best fight fans in America,” said Brown. “He’s hoping to display the talents that will eventually lead him to a world title. Marco’s been lucky to fight every two months all over America, which is helping him build a national fanbase.”