Danny Roman losses IBF and WBA titles on split decision to Akhmadaliev
The Uzbekistan international, Murodjon Akhmadaliev became the new unified champion for the IBF and the WBA super world super bantamweight titles only after eight fights to his credit on Thursday night at the Meridian at Island Gardens, Miami.
The Uzbekistan-Californian southpaw based boxer has an incredible power, was aggressive from the start of round one, marching forward and firing bigger and heavier punches, snapping Roman’s head better part of the early rounds, but Roman stayed resolute and landed some decent punches to the body of Akhmadaliev.
Akhmadaliev 25, (8-0, 6 KOs) had big round five action pounding Roman with big left hook and then the right followed. It was all busy and a tormenting round for Roman.
It was all action packed through to round ten with Akhmadaliev getting the better of Roman, putting up a very spirited fight and firing at all angles.
Roman 29, (27-3-1, 10 KOs) also making a fifth defense of his title had a fairly eventful championship rounds but too late in the day to change the verdict of the judge with Akhmadaliev scoring 115-113, 115-113 and 111-117.
“Danny Roman was the most proven 122-pounder in the world, and had been in the toughest in his career,” Akhmadaliev said through an interpreter. “I knew who I was fighting. I was prepared for the best fighter in my division. It was a hell of a fight, he was very tough. He was tougher than I expected. It was a great fight. Thank you, Danny Roman.” Akhmadaliev added.
Roman think differently of the verdict but stayed focused and look forward to a rematch.
“I think I won the fight. It was a close fight,” Roman said. “MJ’s a hell of a fighter, strong fighter. After the first couple rounds we made the adjustments, but I just came up short. MJ’s a complicated fighter. I had a plan but at the last minute it changed. He was the better man tonight.”
“I will take the rematch if MJ will give me that. It’s going to make me stronger, better fighter like the last fight I got” Roman quickly added when asked about a possible rematch.