Miguel Román Targets Title Run Versus Miura

By Jake Donovan

 

Miguel Román’s remarkable career transformation continued through Saturday, turning back a stiff challenge from countryman Edgar Puerta to claim a 10-round decision in Mexico City. 

The goal heading into the bout for Román was obviously to win, but also for it to lead towards a third attempt at a major title. Pre-fight whispers suggested that the winner would be yet another in a growing list of challengers from Mexico to take a run at 130 lb. titlist Takashi Miura. 

“I'm ready to go for the title against Miura,” insists Román. “I have faced good opponents with favorable results. It is an opportunity that I deserve and not just one given to me. 

“I think I've earned the right to go to Japan to dethrone the man known as the ‘Mexican Killer.’ I believe my style is the perfect foil to Miura.”

Puerta already had his crack at the excellent titlist from Japan, suffering a 6th round stoppage in his failed bid last November. The bout was Miura’s fourth straight against a fighter from Mexico, including his initial title winning effort over Gamaliel Diaz in April ’13. 

The defending titlist takes a break from that trend, as he returns to the ring on May 1 versus Australia’s Billy Dib. You can definitely count Roman (50-11, 37KOs) among the interested observers.

“Román was very young when he began his career, but has really had some great wins in recent years,” points out Oswaldo Kuchle, Roman’s promoter. “He is ready to step up and face Miura.” 

Saturday’s win was the 12th in a row for Román The current win streak includes victories over former titlists Juan Carlos Salgado and Daniel Ponce de Leon. His decision win over Puerta (23-6-1, 18KOs) took place at the lightweight limit, but plans to drop back down in weight for future fights. 

While his latest victory wasn’t enough to put him in direct line for a title shot, the necessary steps are already being taken to move in that direction.

“We have requested an eliminator with Stephen Smith (a 130 lb. contender from England,” Kuchle informed BoxingScene.com. “We proposed the fight to his promoter, Eddie Hearn.”