By taking this fight, Giyasov is effectively giving Rolando Romero a “get out of jail free” card. Romero no longer has a mandatory shadow looming over him and can chase the Devin Haney unification or any other big-money fight without fear of being stripped.
The moment Giyasov wins that Regular belt, he is no longer the WBA mandatory. He becomes a “Champion.” In the twisted logic of sanctioning bodies, a champion doesn’t have a mandatory right to fight another champion unless a consolidation is ordered, which the WBA can delay for years.
Giyasov has been positioned as the WBA mandatory at 147, putting him in line for a shot at Rolando Romero. Under normal circumstances, a fighter in that position stays put and protects the ranking.
Giyasov is doing the opposite. He has agreed to face Jack Catterall for the vacant WBA “regular” welterweight title on May 23, taking on a difficult opponent who brings a style that can neutralize offense and win rounds without taking damage.
Catterall is the ultimate spoiler. For a guy like Giyasov, who needs rhythm and distance to set up his power, Catterall is a nightmare. He isn’t a massive “money name” in the US, but he’s incredibly difficult to beat. Giyasov is essentially fighting a “Shakur-lite” southpaw who will clinch, move, and poke his way to a decision.
The Usyk-Verhoeven “Glory in Giza” card is a massive financial engine backed by Turki Alalshikh and Saudi/Egyptian investors.
Giyasov might be realizing that the “life-changing payday” against Rolly was never actually going to happen. This Giza fight likely offers him the biggest purse of his career now.
If he loses, his career at the top level is likely over. But if he wins, he holds a belt, gets a career-high payday, and stands directly in the path of the Haney-Romero winner.
