Danny Roman Arrives in Japan for WBA World Title Defense; Holds Media Workout

ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2018) – Los Angeles native and WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Danny Roman (23-2-1, 9 KOs) arrived in Tokyo on Thursday and held a media workout the next day in advance of his first world title defense.

Roman defends against No. 11 rated challenger Ryo Matsumoto (21-1, 19 KOs) of Japan on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

The 12-round world championship fight, dubbed “The Challenge,” is promoted by Thompson Boxing Promotions in association with Ohashi Promotions and will take place from Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

On Thursday, Roman was greeted by the Japanese media upon arriving at Tokyo International Airport. The following day, Roman took part in a media workout for the local press.

“I’m ready and well prepared to defend my title,” Roman said. “Matsumoto presents a tough challenge, but that’s nothing new for me. I’m going to fight my fight and not let him get comfortable.”

The “Baby Faced Assassin” decided to arrive approximately two weeks prior to his title defense to acclimate to the weather and time change.

“I came in early last time I was here in September so we decided to follow the same script,” said Roman, who is trained and managed by Eddie Gonzalez. “It makes sense to get used to the new time zone and develop a routine and comfort zone before my big fight against Matsumoto.”

Roman traveled to the island nation in September and knocked out former champion Shun Kubo in the ninth round.

Roman, 27, dominated the fight from start to finish. He won every round on every scorecard with the exception of the first round on one score sheet. He battered Kubo on multiple occasions, dropping him in the seventh and eighth rounds before finishing him off in the ninth.

To watch Roman’s KO win over Shun Kubo that earned him the WBA championship, please click here.

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