Rolly Romero is sending a strong message that expressing emotions, even tears, is not a sign of weakness for men. In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, he defended Ryan Garcia against those mocking him for his emotional display after their intense fight last week. Romero emphasized that it takes courage to show vulnerability and that anyone belittling Garcia’s feelings can “go pound sand” in his view. This perspective is important in a society where emotional expression is often stigmatized, especially among men.

The celebrated boxer, who achieved a significant upset against Garcia in Times Square on May 2, passionately stood by his opponent while in Los Angeles on Wednesday. He articulated that he too had a heartfelt emotional release following their bout. Romero’s candid acknowledgment of his own tears serves as a reminder that athletes, despite their tough exterior, are still human and capable of deep feelings. This highlights the often-overlooked emotional toll that competitive sports can exact on individuals.

“It’s perfectly fine for men to cry, bro,” Romero stated emphatically, adding, “It simply shows we’re human.” His words resonate deeply in a culture that often equates masculinity with stoicism and emotional suppression. By publicly supporting Garcia, Romero advocates for a shift in societal norms that belittle emotional expressions among men, encouraging a more compassionate and understanding environment.

The 29-year-old boxer didn’t hold back as he criticized the online trolls who quickly took to their social media platforms to bash Garcia for showing vulnerability right after a devastating loss. Romero pointed out that this reaction not only reflects poorly on those making the comments but also highlights the toxic culture surrounding masculinity that discourages emotional honesty. His passionate defense of Garcia emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in the sport and beyond.

“Forget the internet, man!” Romero exclaimed. “They’re all a bunch of immature individuals who are unhappy because they’re not living the life we can live.” His frustration with online negativity underscores the broader issue of how social media can perpetuate toxic attitudes toward emotional expression. By challenging these norms, he hopes to inspire others to embrace their feelings rather than hide them, fostering a healthier conversation around mental health in sports.

Romero also expressed his belief that “the world would be a much better place” if society collectively worked to eliminate harmful standards of toxic masculinity. He emphasized that fostering an environment where vulnerability is accepted could lead to improved mental health and emotional well-being for everyone, especially in high-pressure fields like professional sports.