A split decision often leads to an inevitable rematch. But Daniel Roman wants more than just the inevitable. He wants it now.
Roman is seeking an immediate rematch with Murodjon Akhmadaliev, who became the first unified champion from Uzbekistan by taking two of Roman’s junior featherweight titles one week ago with a split decision in Miami.
“It was a close fight, and I take my hat off to Akhmadaliev for being a true warrior,’’ Roman said in a statement released Thursday by Thompson Boxing, his promoter. “I want a rematch because I think I won the fight.’’
Akhmadaliev (8-0, 6 KOs) won the fight on two cards, 115-113 each. On the third card, Roman (27-3-1, 10 KOs) got the nod, 115-113.
“There is no doubt in my mind that I’ll once again be a world champion when that opportunity presents itself,’’ said Roman (27-3-1, 10 KOs), a Los Angeles fighter who was making his fifth title defense a couple of days before Kansas City’s victory over San Francisco on Sunday in the Super Bowl, also in Miami. “My promoters and management team are the best. I know they will get it done. I’m going to do everything in my power to get my world titles back.”
Thompson Boxing, which co-promotes Roman with Matchroom, has filed formal requests for an immediate rematch with the two ruling bodies that sanctioned the two 122-pound belts.
“We hope that the WBA and IBF realize that Danny is a credit to the sport of boxing,” Thompson executive Alex Camponovo said. “The fight was razor close, and I personally think Danny edged it out. Now we need to wait and trust that Daniel Roman will be granted the rematch he is seeking and deserves.”
Murodjon Akhmadaliev outpoints Daniel Roman to win titles in eighth fight