Fighting out of Olathe, Kansas, Romero showed poise beyond his years in Las Vegas, setting up and putting Braulio Matias Ferreira’s (8-3) lights out with a picture-perfect, powerful right that legendary Joe Luis would have been proud of.

Romero prepared for the fight sparring and training in Montreal with International Boxing Federation (IBF) Super Middleweight World Champion Osleys “El Tornado” Iglesias (16-0, 15 KOs) and then-World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Middleweight World title-holder Christian “Solide” Mbilli (29-1-1, 24 KOs).

“Marc Ramsey (Eye of the Tiger Director of Boxing) said it’s an elite punch like Artur Bederbiev’s,” Romero noted. “I was very happy to hear him say that. My opponent said I was inexperienced. I attacked but stayed poised and hit him with that knockout punch. I’ve hit people like that in the past and it’s funny, sometimes I don’t feel it until the lights go out!

“I was ready to get right back in the ring in another monster card. David Benavidez is The Monster. I’m going to put on an exciting performance for his Latino fans who will hopefully become my fans.”

No sooner had Romero returned home than he learned about his Dec. 5 fight against Cruse “Hitman” Stewart (10-4, 7 KOs) in an 8round scheduled match. Marco has had 3 consecutive opening-round knockouts, the last two since he signed with PBC.

“It was exciting to be sitting at the head table next to past, present and future world champions,” Romero said. ”He (David Benavidez) is really nice and his father is too. It was amazing to see how serious he is and that’s what I need to get to the next level. I’m going to elevate my intensity for this fight.”

Romero, who doesn’t turn 21 until Nov. 21, has cracked the WBA world ratings at No. 10.  He is ranked as a super middleweight but the plan calls for him to fight at middleweight in 2027.

“Marco is still a young man (20) gaining more man-strength every day,” Romero’s legendary manager/head trainer John Brown added. “He is very busy with his 6 days a week boxing training, strength and conditioning program and we recently added rock climbing (indoors) to help strengthen his hands, wrists, forearm and legs. He knows as we move along that the competition gets tougher, so we again are going out of town (to Orlando, FL) to spar with the toughest guys we can find in preparation for this fight and fights in 2027.”

Romero is undefeated in 16 pro fights with 14 stoppages, winning all 36 total rounds fought on the judges’ scorecards. A 23-time U.S. national Champion, Romero had a remarkable 130-5 amateur record. He hasn’t lost in the ring, as an amateur or professional, in more than 7 years since June 28, 2019.

Marco Romero isn’t in Kansas anymore.

About Turner Boxing Academy:  Turner Boxing Academy (TBA) is a non-profit youth boxing club operated by volunteers who are passionate about the sport and the positive impact it has on young people. The academy is based inside the Turner Recreation Center in Kansas City, Kansas. It is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and practice the art of boxing. TBA is committed to instilling discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic in our young athletes. We believe in the power of boxing to build character and resilience, and we are passionate about helping our students unlock their full potential both inside and outside the ring.