Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero has accepted the latest decision made regarding his boxing career, with his focus now on attempting to clear his name.

A recently emerging investigation into allegations of sexual assault has forced the unbeaten lightweight contender out of a previously scheduled grudge match with Gervonta Davis (25-0, 24KOs). The two were due to collide for Davis’ WBA “World” lightweight title atop a Showtime Pay-Per-View event announced for December 5 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The show will still go on but with a new opponent for Davis.

“Although the allegations against me are totally false and I will prove that through the legal system, I agree that it is in the best interest of everyone involved that I not participate in the upcoming pay-per-view event,” Romero stated through his verified Instagram account Monday afternoon.

Las Vegas’ Romero (14-0, 12KOs) was recently named in a sexual assault allegation filed by Izabel Zambrano, a prior longtime acquaintance.

Zambrano went public with her claim of an alleged incident that took place roughly two years ago, first revealing the matter through social media in a series of posts that suggested similar claims from at least seven other alleged victims. To date, Zambrano is the only party to go to the authorities, giving a formal statement to the Henderson (Nevada) Police Department this past Friday evening.

Once the Henderson PD moved forward with the investigation, it was decided by event handlers and Showtime brass to remove Romero from the PPV event. A replacement opponent is being sought for Davis, with streaking lightweight contender Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz (22-1-1, 15KOs) having emerged as the frontrunner to land the assignment.

Romero is not yet charged with an official crime but understands the reasons for being removed from the show. The development will leave his ring career idle since a seventh-round stoppage of former junior welterweight title challenger Anthony Yigit this past July 17 at AT&T Center in San Antonio. The fight was his third straight on Showtime, all having taken place since the pandemic.

His next fight is officially to be determined, amidst serious allegations outside the ring.

“After clearing my name I will return to the ring as soon as possible,” vows Romero.

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox