Roman Retains Title In Japan

Roman cruises to easy decision


Daniel Roman put on a technical display in a lopsided unanimous decision victory over Ryo Matsumoto early this morning in Japan. The final scorecards for the bout read 119-109 x2 and 118-110. The bout was for Roman’s regular WBA Super Bantamweight title.

Roman, 27, traveled to Tokyo for the first title defense of his career. The Los Angeles native was able to use a combination of superior tactical ability and timely pressure to keep the taller Matsumoto off balance. Roman was simply the superior boxer and the decision was never in doubt. Mataumoto was ranked number 11 by the WBA.

“I’m thrilled with the decision,” said Roman, who is trained and managed by Eddie Gonzalez. “We came here well prepared to defend our championship and we did just that. I’m extremely thankful to all of my team for helping me get this win.”

With the “super” belt now vacant due to the WBA stripping champion Guillermo Rigondeaux, the odds are that Roman’s next bout will be contested for that version of the sanctioning body’s title. Right now Moises Flores is the number one contender.

By: Chris Henderson