Former IBF/WBA super bantamweight champion Danny Roman anticipates an action-packed showdown in his upcoming WBC eliminator bout against former title holder Juan Carlos Payano taking place Saturday, September 26th in part two of Showtimne's two-part doubleheader presented by Premier Boxing Champions. "Payano is one of the toughest and roughest fighters in the division," said Roman. "His only losses are to elite fighters. This fight will be all action because Payano likes to mix it up, as do I. The fans will get to see two warriors going at it as I'm fully prepared for a grueling fight. This will be an explosive twelve-round battle, and that's if it goes the distance, which I highly doubt."
Roman and his longtime trainer Eddie Gonzalez have prepared for the Payano fight at the Fundamentals Gym in Los Angeles, studying their opponent and aiming to put on an impressive performance on September 26th. "It's been a very productive training camp thus far," said Roman. "We've been going strong, but smart, since early August. Coach Eddie has been studying Payano and we see some flaws in his game that we feel we can capitalize on. I'm in great shape and its full steam ahead for Payano showdown."
A Los Angeles native, Roman will return to the ring for the first time since dropping a narrow split decision and his two super bantamweight titles to Murodjon Akhmadaliev in January. Roman knows that with a win in this title eliminator, he will be in a prime position to regain his status in the division. "A victory will put me right back on the doorstep for a world title," said Roman. "I feel that I'm still one of the best fighters at super bantamweight, but I must get past Payano. There are so many big fights at super bantamweight, because this division is one of the deepest in boxing. My mind is set on becoming a world champion again, and a victory against Payano will bring me closer to that goal."
The pay-per-view features six compelling fights in all, on the same night for one price. Part one begins live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT with the three-fight card topped by unbeaten WBC regular middleweight champion Jermall Charlo facing Sergiy Derevyanchenko. WBA 122-pound regular Brandon Figueroa will defend his belt against Damien Vázquez while WBO bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero faces off against unbeaten Duke Micah in the opener.
Following a 30-minute intermission, the second three-fight card, headlined by the unification matchup between WBC 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo and IBF / WBA 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario, will begin. Unbeaten former WBC bantamweight champion Luis Nery will battle undefeated Aaron Alameda for the vacant WBC 122-pound championship in the co-feature [Rey Vargas is now champion in recess], while Román faces off against former champion Payano in a WBC eliminator bout to open the second installment of the pay-per-view.
The event is presented by Premier Boxing Champions and promoted by Lions Only Promotions and TGB Promotions. The Jermell Charlo vs. Jeison Rosario match is co-promoted with Sampson Boxing.
