Daniel Roman Steps Up In 2nd Half Against Juan Carlos Payano
Former unified super bantamweight champion Daniel “The Baby Faced Assassin” Roman (27-3-1, 10ko) is looking to bounce back with a victory against veteran former champion Juan Carlos Payano (21-3, 9ko) in a WBC title eliminator.
Since losing both titles to Murodjon “MJ” Akhmadaliev in January, he has been eager to get his rematch. However for now, Payano stands in his way.
RELATED: Akhmadaliev Dethrones Daniel Roman; Becomes New Unified Champion!
FAST PACED ACTION
This fight started out the gate with the Baby Faced Assassin going to the body, testing the legs of the older former world champion. Additionally, he used his footwork to get inside, throwing crushing body shots and counter hooks to the head.
However, the veteran former champion wasn’t backing down. Payano also had success with good body shots and quick combinations. For his advanced age, his footwork was very good as he got in and out, not allowing the younger fighter to trap him in the corners.
This was going to be a war of attrition as both men were letting the leather fly. Roman wasn’t using his jab and had trouble dealing with the footwork of Payano.
THE MIDDLE ROUNDS
With a chance to fight for a title, both men realized what is on the line and fought for it! The younger former champ continued to be aggressive but it wasn’t effective. However, he was able to find success mixing up his attack.
Payano showed his veteran grit taking the fight to Roman. He found a home for the straight left to the body. In the eighth round, he was bullying the younger fighter in the corner landing a flurry of body shots and then attacking the head.
NOW OR NEVER CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS
Following the advice of his trainer Eddie Gomez, Roman started to release the beast. He attacked the much older fighter with brutal body shots and landing his signature uppercuts. Meanwhile, he turned the fight around in the championship rounds.
The older former champion was still showing some fire, landing a good counter left. But it was a cut over the left eye that begin to bother the elder statesman. Now, he wasn’t able to get out of the corners as easily before the body shots took a toll.
In the twelfth round, the former unified champion was in full beast mode! He poured on even more pressure as he targeted the body. Literally at the sound of the final bell, Roman lands a chopping left hook that sent Payano to the canvas.
However, the referee said it was after the bell.
Roman ended up not needing the extra point as all three judges saw him winning in unison with 116-112 scorecards.
3kingsboxing.com scored it 115-113 for the younger former champion as well.
Winning this title eliminator, Roman now awaits the winner of the WBC championship bout between Luis Nery and Aaron Alameda.
By: Garrisson Bland
