Daniel Roman could have taken an easier fight when he looked to defend his IBF and WBA junior featherweight titles against heralded prospect Murodjon Akhmadaliev last Thursday night in Miami on DAZN.
Instead, Roman took the challenge head-on. The move proved to be costly as Roman lost by split-decision to Akhmadaliev that snapped his six-year and 19-fight winning streak. Although Roman (27-3-1, 10 KOs) doesn't want to discredit what Akhmadaliev did inside the ring, after rewatching the bout, the 29-year-old felt he did more than enough to win. Because of that, he seeks an immediate rematch.
“It was a close fight, and I take my hat off to Akhmadaliev for being a true warrior,” Roman said in a press release. “I want a rematch because I think I won the fight. I believe I deserve to get that opportunity because I left it all in the ring. I know Akhmadaliev has the heart of a champion, and I believe he’ll want a to face me once more to settle the score between us.”
The win over Roman meant the 25-year-old Akhmaaliev (8-0, 6 KOs) tied Leon Spinks as the fastest to become a unified world champion in only his eighth professional contest. Roman feels if he gets another crack at the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, the result will be different, and he'll become a two-time unified titleholder at 122 pounds.
“It’s moments like these where a true champion shows his heart by working his way back to the top,” Roman said. “There is no doubt in my mind that I’ll once again be a world champion when that opportunity presents itself. 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.”