It seems the effort may have been for naught. As Romero tees up a unification bout with Devin Haney, Dan Rafael reports that there have “[b]een some talks” about pitting Giyasov (17-0, 10 KO) against Raul Curiel (17-0-1, 14 KO) for the interim belt on PBC’s May 2nd “Zurdo” Ramirez vs David Benavidez show.
For comparison’s sake, the WBA ordered Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa at the same time and the pair shared the ring last month. They also, in a detail that may be relevant here, completely skipped over interim champion Mirco Cuello in the process.
Rafael does note that neither Romero-Haney nor Giyasov-Curiel have been finalized, so things could change. I recognize that nobody wants to see Romero vs Giyasov, but the whole reason we put up with sanctioning bodies is so that fighters who’ve jumped through the appropriate hoops can get their opportunities. Say what you will about Giyasov, he’s done what the WBA’s asked of him, even stepping aside previously to let Eimantas Stanionis unify with Jaron Ennis. Give him his shot, and if Romero decides the money’s not worth it, let him fight Haney without a belt around his waist.