By Ryan Burton
Former IBF super bantamweight champion Jhonatan Romero (31-1) is on the comeback trail. After sitting out all of 2017, Romero had two tune up fights in his native Colombia and is now looking to get a major fight.
In this Q&A, Romero discusses the fighters that he is targeting and more.
krikya360.com: Hello Jhonatan, I see you have already fought twice this year in Colombia. Are you looking to fight again this year and if so will it be in the US?
Jhonatan Romero: I did have two fights this year in Colombia but they were fights to keep busy and get some of that rust off. Of course I am planning to come back to the US and fight, the US is the Mecca for boxing and my experiences in the US have been great.
krikya360.com: You were a champion at 122 pounds. Do you plan on working your way towards a title shot at that weight or at featherweight?
Jhonatan Romero: If I were to get an elimination bout at 122 I would take it and then go for a title but I would rather stay at 126.
krikya360.com: I ask that because Thompson Promotions also has WBA champion Danny Roman who fights Gavin McDonnell next month. Would you be interested in facing him next year? Who do you think wins the Roman-McDonnell fight.
Jhonatan Romero: I have sparred and trained side by side with Danny so I must go with Danny as I have seen the hard work he puts in the gym.
krikya360.com: What do you think of the super bantamweight division with champions such as Roman, Dogboe, TJ Doheny and Rey Vargas?
Jhonatan Romero: 122 is a loaded division. Of all the champs I give Vargas the edge. His length and boxing will give the others fits.
krikya360.com: If you decide to go to featherweight that is another stacked division. If you could face Oscar Valdez, Gary Russell Jr, Leo Santa Cruz or Carl Frampton, which would you prefer?
Jhonatan Romero: I would prefer to face Leo or Oscar. Mexican fighters make for fan friendly and great fights. I trained with Oscar under Manny Robles and we sparred for several months and let me tell you we went at it. I also sparred with Jessie Magdaleno, there were days at that gym where I sparred both the same day. I know Oscar is looking for an opponent and I have great respect for him and his team but I would love the opportunity. Frank can give Mauricio (my manager) a call and hopefully get our promoters to work on that. I don't think Leo has a fight as of yet either so I would love those opportunities to put on a great show.
krikya360.com: How would you describe your style for the American fans that haven't seen you fight yet?
Jhonatan Romero: I am fan friendly. I am more of boxer. I use the ring but I also love to mix it up. That is why a fight with Oscar or Leo would be great for fans and boxing. I have fought on both HBO and Showtime and both times they were great fights.
krikya360.com: Any thing else you would like to mention?
Jhonatan Romero: Thank you for the time and Ryan, like many boxers I came from nothing and tasted the glory of being on top IBF world champ it was a short lived reign and a high fall. But now i know what it takes to get there and stay there I cannot and will not squander this opportunity. I have way too much to lose.
I want to thank my promoter Thompson boxing my managers Mauricio Gonzalez and Bernardo. The best way to thank them is by getting in the ring and winning. To all boxing fans look for Momo Romero. I am a fan friendly boxer that will not shy away from anyone. Thank you krikya360.com.
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