In a rare unification match outside of the WBSS, WBA Super Super-bantamweight champion Daniel Roman faces his IBF counterpart DJ Doheny on a world title double-header with Srisaket Sor Rungvisai vs Juan Francisco Estrada from The Forum in Inglewood, California.
Roman, who turned pro in 2010 had a less than stellar start to his career with a loss and a draw in his first 4 bouts. 6 wins followed before he lost an 8 round unanimous decision. That was his last loss and he has become a very polished box-fighter since then.
Including Doheny, Roman's last 7 opponents have a combined 2 losses and 1 draw. His last victim was England's Gavin McDonnell who is well known for his stamina and gutsy displays, but against Roman, he was systematically broken down and taken out in ruthless fashion by the man from Los Angeles.
In Doheny, Roman meets a tough guy from down-under. Born in Portlaoise, Ireland, the Aussie now resides in Bondi Junction. In his unbeaten 21 fight career, Doheny has boxed in the USA 4 times and Japan and Thailand, once each.
Winning the title in Japan and defending it at Madison Square Garden gives the impression that fighting in Roman's hometown won't faze this road warrior.
This fight has a point's decision written all over it. Doheny will try to make the fight a tough and gruelling affair but I believe the quality boxing and patience that we saw in the McDonnell fight will see Roman over the line to victory.