Apparently, Rolando “Rolly” Romero has a deluded view of himself.

The 29-year-old talks big, and he believes that he’s backed up every single word. Yet, no matter how many bodies he’s dropped, Ryan Garcia hasn’t been impressed. Stoppage wins over Anthony Yigit and Avery Sparrow? Boring, says Garcia. What about the highlight-reel KO against Arturs Ahmetovs in 2020? Garcia yawns.

Regardless of the power Romero has shown, Garcia refuses to believe that he's a top-notch fighter.

“Rolly has never been seen as a real elite fighter,” Garcia said during their final press conference.

Friday night in New York’s Times Square, Romero will have a chance to shut him up for good when they go toe-to-toe in the main event.

Beating the trash-talker isn’t just what he wants, Garcia needs it. Prior to getting on the stage, Garcia will be watching backstage as Devin Haney throws hands with Jose Ramirez. Garcia doesn’t particularly like the former two-division champ, but he needs him to win, too.

As first reported by The Ring, a win for both would lead to an eventual rematch at year's end. Of course, they initially fought in April 2024. And while Garcia claims that his failed post-fight drug test had nothing to do with his performance, his win over Haney was overturned to a no-contest. Meaning, they have unfinished business.

Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) won’t look too far ahead though. He knows who’s waiting for him and the boatload of money he’ll be paid for a sequel vs. his longtime rival. As for Romero, he immediately becomes the most important man in the room.

But if you’re expecting Garcia to go back and forth with him and trade barbs, you’ll be disappointed. The only thing he’s focused on is putting Romero out of his misery and moving on to the next step.

“I’m just here to do my job,” Garcia said. “Knock him out and ride off into the sunset. I’m here to do a job and that’s it.”