The Case for WBA Champion Danny Roman as the BWAA “Fighter of the Year”
ORANGE, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2018) – With three successful title defenses on the year, WBA champion Danny “Baby Face Assassin” Roman has as good as case as anyone for the Boxing Writers Association of America “Fighter of the Year” award.
Roman, 28, began the year traveling to Japan to defend his 122-pound title against the No. 13 rated challenger and previously unbeaten Ryo Matsumoto. The Los Angeles-based Roman handled his first defense with aplomb, thoroughly outpointing the taller Matsumoto through 12-rounds (118-110, 119-109 twice).
After his win against Matsumoto, Roman talked unification, but that would seemingly have to wait until after his mandatory defense with top challenger Moises Flores in June. The fight, which was televised live on Showtime from the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys’ indoor practice facility, was another one-side affair with Roman controlling the fight from start to finish (120-108, 118-110, 116-112).
Roman’s next fight would be against the No. 4 ranked Gavin McDonnell in October from Chicago and streamed live on DAZN, the sports streaming giant that signed Roman to a long-term deal in July.
Roman battered and bruised McDonnell to the tune of a tenth round knockout. Roman again called for a unification fight against any of the other belt holders.
“It has been my intention to unify ever since I became world champion last year in September,” said Roman, who is promoted by long-time promoter Thompson Boxing and new partner Matchroom Boxing. “I don’t care who steps up to the challenge. I’ll fight any of them. I want all the belts.”
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
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