Brandon Figueroa stopped Luis Nery in round seven to add the WBC Super Bantamweight title to add to his WBA belt at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

It was a rugged fight with the fight being mostly contested on the inside. Nery got the better of most of the first part of the fight. The tide began to turn at the end of round six with Figueroa landing power shots on the inside. In round seven he continued the accuracy until he landed perfect left to the solar plexus that sent Nery down for the count at 2:!8.

Figueroa, 121.2 lbs of Weslaco, TX is now 22-0-1 with 17 knockouts. Nery, 122 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 31-1.

Brandon Figueroa

“It feels amazing, this is a dream come true. I know everyone doubted me, but here I am with the belt. It’s all thanks to hard work and dedication.

“You saw tonight what I can do. I brought it to him and the hard work paid off. We did our homework. We did a great job in the gym and just took it to him.

“The plan was to break him. Joel Diaz told me to pressure him and that he wouldn’t last. That’s exactly what happened.

“I knew he was getting tired, he was trying to box me. I saw him breathing heavy. My team just said it was time to go get him.

“We’ve been waiting for this fight against and it’s finally gonna happen. I knew I had to get through Luis Nery first. Everything has it’s time. I envisioned that I was going to beat Nery and now I see myself beating Fulton. I know he’s coming with everything he’s got and that we’re gonna give the fans a hell of a show.”

Stephen Fulton

“Hell of a performance by Brandon tonight. That’s what I predicted would happen. This is my time now though. I’ve been waiting for this moment to finally fight Brandon.

“I knew that Brandon would fight how he always fights. I’m just ready for my time against him. We’re going to put on a hell of a performance. Congratulations to him tonight, but I’m coming next.”

Roman decisions Espinoza

Former unified world champion Danny Roman won a 10-round unanimous decision over Ricardo Espinoza in a super bantamweight fight

It was a spirited battle that was fought at close quarters throughout. In round eight, Espinoza began bleeding from his face.

Roman landed of 220 of 756 punches; Espinoza was 190 of 724.

Roman, 122 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and is now 29-3-1. Espinoza, 121.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 25-4.

Danny Roman:

“This win is a step closer to getting back on top and getting a world title once again. I knew he was a tough fighter who hit hard, so I had to fight smart and make adjustments.

“I started to get my distance and started fighting my fight and controlling the ring. Once I did that, everything started to fall into place. I was surprised he went the distance, but he has a lot of heart. He’s a tough fighter.

“I’m the mandatory, so I want a title shot now. I want the winner of the main event.

“I won the mandatory for the WBC belt in September against Payano. I am the mandatory to fight the champion. I had a great fight tonight and I believe deserve the chance.

“I still got it, I am still up there. I am just waiting to get back on top.

On Murodjon Akhmadaliev: “I still want the rematch. I still have unfinished business in MJ. I don’t know what he’s got scheduled but I will take that fight.

“He was bleeding, he was hurt. But he came to fight. He came to die in the ring. He has a lot of guts. But it was my night.” 

“He was open for those uppercuts. I adjusted to his fighting style, he was more aggressive than I thought he would be. But then when I adjusted, those uppercuts were there for me all night.”

“The guy hits hard. He is a strong fighter. But you know what? I was more resistant and I took his shots. He wasn’t able to take my shots.”

Ricardo Espinoza:

“I felt good overall. I could have pressured him a bit more, close his angles, but it was a good fight.

“Now I want to rest and look forward to my next fight. You win some, you lose some, and tonight I lost.

“Danny is a tough fighter who withstood a lot of shots to the head, a quality opponent.”

Martinez Decisions Burgos

Xavier Martinez remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over three-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in a junior lightweight bout.

Martinez landed 329 of 891 punches; Burgos was 261 of 830.

Martinez, 131.6 lbs of Sacramento, CA won by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is now 17-0. Burgos, 131.8 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 34-5-2.

Xavier Martinez:

“I wasn’t surprised he came forward. He’s a tough competitor. I thank him for taking the fight, he was tough as hell. These kind of fights are going to help me get better.

“It was a fun fight. I know the fans enjoyed the fight. I thought I could have done better, but I was landing clean, hard shots throughout. Even when he was throwing, I was slipping a lot of them and catching him. I showed I can hang in there with tough fighters.

“I could have boxed him more but I wanted to give the fans action. There’s nothing to complain about – I got the victory. I made it tougher on myself but I will learn from it. It’s back to the drawing board but it’s a great victory.

“I fought two very experienced fighters back to back. I like these fights and I won’t complain. Whatever my team has in store for me, I will take it.

“It wasn’t that close. I could give him a round or two. There was a round or two where I stepped back too much. Even when he was throwing, I was catching and slipping.

“I do have a rivalry with Chris Colbert. That’s not a secret, everyone knows that. If we can make that happen, that would be cool. That would be a really fun fight for both of us. He’s a boxer, I come forward. We will cause a lot of fireworks with that one.”

Juan Carlos Burgos:

“I am happy and excited to put on a good show. All in all, I am just glad that the fans enjoyed the fight.

“He was a great opponent. Many people don’t know that I was brought in on late notice. Just two weeks in advance. That’s not an excuse but just the reality. Martinez fought a hell of a fight. He is definitely one of the best opponents I have ever faced.

On the scorecards: “I was shocked. I was surprised. I did not think I only won one round. The public opinion and the fact that the fans were booing is what I take with me today. The fans spoke louder than the cards. I am glad to have given them an exciting fight.”

ORANGE, Calif. (May 21, 2020) – Thompson Boxing Promotion’s former two-time super-bantamweight world champion, Daniel Roman (27-3-1, 10 KOs), gives fans an exclusive interview this Friday, May 22, 2020. Beto Duran, who operates as the blow-by-blow commentator for Thompson Boxing Promotions’ “TB Presents,” conducts the fun natured interview with Roman.

The streaming interview, presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions, starts at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET. and can be viewed via the TBP Instagram page, Facebook page, YouTube channel, and ThompsonBoxing.com.

“I had a lot of fun interviewing Danny Roman, who in my opinion is one of the classiest fighters in boxing today,” said Beto Duran. “We discuss funny things you might not know about him and how he maintains a positive attitude during the COVID-19 lockdown. I know people will enjoy this interview because we touch on his personal life outside of boxing. Roman is a great role model, a great fighter, and an inspiration to many who know him.”

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. To follow the conversation on social media, please use #TBPresents, and #ThompsonBoxing.

Murodjon Akhmadaliev is chasing history as he prepares to challenge WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight champion Daniel Roman at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami on Thursday January 30, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
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 Akhmadaliev (7-0 6 KOs) can equal Leon Spinks’ record of becoming a men’s unified World champion in just his eighth pro fight and will become the first unified ruler from Uzbekistan with victory over Roman (27-2-1 10 KOs).

‘MJ’ has blasted his way to the mandatory spot with the WBA since turning pro in March 2018 and for the 25 year old, his meeting with the Baby Faced Assassin represents an opportunity to become a hero in his boxing-mad country.

“It’s history in the making,” said Akhmadaliev. “To become a unified champion in just eight fights and the first from Uzbekistan is really some great history for me to make, I want to make my country proud. Boxing is the number one sport in Uzbekistan and with God’s blessing, I think everything will play out well. 

“It’s a dream come true for me. I have been climbing this mountain for 17 years, in the gym twice a day in that time. I’ve broken my wrists, my fists, my nose, bloodied face, had cuts; all that sacrifice is for fights like this. I know people think I am inexperienced and Danny will take me out or something like that, but trust me, I have given it my all for 17 years and it will be no different for fight night.

“This is the most important fight in my career so far. I’m fighting the unified champion, the best in the division, so it’s a big step up for me but we’re very well prepared for this fight with my coaches Antonio and Joel Diaz. 

“I’ve only had seven fights and I haven’t felt challenged in any of those fights. I am not comparing those fights to this one as I know they are different and this is a hard fight. All the talk about his experience that he brings to the ring is fine but it’s only when we get in the ring together that we will see who is the best fighter, the most experienced, who is stronger, faster, sharper and smarter. I don’t like to talk too much; I love to fight, and I can’t wait to fight him.”

Akhmadaliev’s clash with Roman is part of a huge night of World championship boxing as Demetrius Andrade (28-0, 17 KOs) defends his WBO World Middleweight title against contender Luke Keeler (17-2-1, 5 KOs) and Tevin Farmer (30-4-1, 6 KOs) defending his IBF World Super Featherweight title against JoJo Diaz (30-1, 15 KOs).

YouTube sensations Jake Paul and AnEsonGib make their pro debuts against each other, Super-Middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr (20-0 18 KOs) fights for his first pro title against Roamer Alexis Angulo (25-1 22 KOs) and a host of young talents are in action in the form of Movladdin Biyarslanov (5-0 4 KOs), Austin Williams (4-0 3 KOs), Alexis Espino (4-0 3 KOs), Otha Jones III (4-0 1 KO) and Avril Mathie (4-0-1 2 KOs).

WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight champion, Daniel Roman, held a workout for the media today at the City of Angles Boxing gym in Los Angeles. Roman defends his titles against unbeaten WBA mandatory challenger Murodjon Akhmadaliev on the stacked World championship triple header bill on Thursday January 30 at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
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CLICK HERE TO WATCH DANIEL ROMAN’S EPISODE OF ‘BORN FIGHTER’ ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
 Roman, who is the only unified champion in the super-bantamweight division, has remained unbeaten since 2013, becoming one of the most accomplished fighters in boxing. Here is what he and his team had to say about this sensational matchup. 

“Murodjon Akhmadaliev beat my teammate Isaac Zarate so I’m very familiar with him,” said Roman. “I know he’s a strong kid, an aggressive fighter, he’s hungry and he’s going to try to take me out as best he can.”

“He makes a few mistakes, he likes to fight with his hands down, not sure if that’s his style, but those are the flaws I see in him,” Roman continued. “Akhmadaliev might not have the experience as a pro, but he was a great Olympic amateur who won a bronze metal. At this level there are no easy fights. His style and my style are going to make for a great bout.”

“It was a great training camp like always,” concluded Roman. “We expect Akhmadaliev to come with his best and we are not taking him lightly. My shoulder injury is behind me and I’m feeling 100%. This is a world championship fight and we are ready to go.”

“Danny is a true professional, he’s discipline, he sacrifices, he works hard,” stated trainer and manager Eddie Gonzalez. “If I ask him to do something he goes beyond. I’m very confident his going to beat Murodjon Akhmadaliev.”

“I think Roman is one of the best fighters in boxing period,” said Ken Thompson, CEO of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He’s fought all over the world and won world titles. He’s the best fighter we’ve ever had at Thompson Boxing. I’m expecting him to have a spectacular performance.”

“I can’t think of any fights the Danny Roman has been in that wasn’t action packed,” said Thompson Boxing matchmaker Alex Camponovo. “He hasn’t lost many rounds in his career and I expect him to dominate in this fight.”

Roman’s clash with Akhmadaliev is part of a huge night of World championship boxing as Demetrius Andrade (28-0, 17 KOs) defends his WBO World Middleweight title against contender Luke Keeler (17-2-1, 5 KOs) and Tevin Farmer (30-4-1, 6 KOs) defending his IBF World Super Featherweight title against JoJo Diaz (30-1, 15 KOs).

YouTube sensations Jake Paul and AnEsonGib make their pro debuts against each other, Super-Middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr (20-0 18 KOs) fights for his first pro title against Roamer Alexis Angulo (25-1 22 KOs) and a host of young talents are in action in the form of Movladdin Biyarslanov (5-0 4 KOs), Austin Williams (4-0 3 KOs), Alexis Espino (4-0 3 KOs), Otha Jones III (4-0 1 KO) and Avril Mathie (4-0-1 2 KOs).

Daniel Roman revealed in the latest episode of ‘Born Fighter’ that faith and meditation are key to his success as he prepares to defend his WBA and IBF World Super-Bantamweight titles against Murodjon Akhmadaliev at the Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami on Thursday January 30, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $40 (PLUS FEES)

CLICK HERE TO WATCH DANIEL ROMAN’S EPISODE OF ‘BORN FIGHTER’ ON MATCHROOM BOXING’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
 Roman (27-2-1 10 KOs) defends his titles for the first time having added the IBF crown to his WBA strap in a fight of the year contender on his Los Angeles home turf in April against Irishman TJ Doheny. 

The ‘Baby Faced Assassin’ was due to meet his WBA mandatory Akhmadaliev (7-0 6 KOs) in September in New York but Roman was forced out of the fight with a shoulder issue, the first time an injury has disrupted his near ten year stint as a pro. Roman had been accused of ducking the challenge of the impressive Uzbek Olympic bronze medal man, but the champion has poured scorn on those claims, instead declaring he’ll be back stronger following his layoff and will target the remaining belts after victory in Miami. 

“I read the Bible a lot and I try to be in church most days when there is service,” said Roman. “If it’s not boxing or family, I am in church. 

“I try to apply the Bible to everything in my life and I meditate on what I read. It helped with the cancellation of the last fight. It hurt my pride because I wanted to fight but you cannot fight when you are injured, you cannot let all the hard work go to waste. I meditated and the right decision was made. I have good people around me that look out for me, and everything happens for a reason.

“It was my first time having to cancel a fight through injury, it’s never happened to me before so it was really tough. My mind was set to fight in September but it had to be cancelled, so I just had to try to recover although only boxing was in my mind at the time – I feel great now and I’m ready for the challenge.

“Everyone that gets in the ring is brave but you cannot fight at 60 or 70 per cent. There’s no running here, he’s the mandatory for my WBA title and I am ready to defend the belts. We’re not giving them up easy, we’re here to stay and we’re ready to conquer the rest of the belts. 

“Hopefully everything works out great and we beat Akhmadaliev. I have been calling out Rey Vargas and he’s challenged me too, if it doesn’t happen with him, we can fight Emanuel Navarette. Hopefully Rey and I both win and we can get it on. I am not the type of fighter to disrespect anyone.

“I’m not boxing to get rich or to become famous, I do it because it’s something that I love. I want kids to see me and see that there’s nothing to hold you back from doing what you want, to achieve your dreams.” 

Roman’s clash with Akhmadaliev is part of a huge night of World championship boxing as Demetrius Andrade (28-0, 17 KOs) defends his WBO World Middleweight title against contender Luke Keeler (17-2-1, 5 KOs) and Tevin Farmer (30-4-1, 6 KOs) defending his IBF World Super Featherweight title against JoJo Diaz (30-1, 15 KOs).

YouTube sensations Jake Paul and AnEsonGib make their pro debuts against each other, Super-Middleweight contender Anthony Sims Jr (20-0 18 KOs) fights for his first pro title against Roamer Alexis Angulo (25-1 22 KOs) and a host of young talents are in action in the form of Movladdin Biyarslanov (5-0 4 KOs), Austin Williams (4-0 3 KOs), Alexis Espino (4-0 3 KOs), Otha Jones III (4-0 1 KO) and Avril Mathie(4-0-1 2 KOs).

Roman is the latest fighter featured on season two of ‘Born Fighter’ following the likes of Daniel Jacobs, Devin Haney, Billy Joe Saunders and Michael Hunter as the second series focuses on the stable at Matchroom Boxing USA after 11 episodes from the British and Irish stable featuring Katie Taylor, Luke Campbell, Dillian Whyte, Joshua Buatsi and more.

The series will be presented by Lauren Gardner, a familiar face to sports fans in America as the host of DAZN’s nightly live baseball program “ChangeUp” as well as a contributing reporter for DAZN’s boxing coverage. The Colorado native has worked with CBS Sports, AT&T SportsNet, Fox Sports Ohio, MTV2, MLB/NHL Network and ESPN, where she covered NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, College Football, College Basketball and two Super Bowls. The American series of ‘Born Fighter’ will also appear on DAZN 24 hours after premiering on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel.