There is no shortage of talented fighters atop the super bantamweight rankings. One boxer who’s star is on the rise is that of Los Angeles-based Danny Roman (16-2, 5 KOs). The 25-year-old Roman goes against Erik Ruiz (14-3, 6 KOs) of Oxnard, Calif. in the 10-round “Path to Glory” main event. The action takes place at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. this Friday, Sept. 25.
Additionally on “Path to Glory,” undefeated junior welterweight and former NABF champion Giovani Santillan (16-0, 9 KOs) of San Diego meets Ernesto Ortiz (10-2, 7 KOs) of Mexico in the 8-round co-main event.
We spoke with Roman about his new world ranking, his opponent, and how he prepared for his first career title defense.
You’ve been exceptionally busy this year. On Friday you’ll look for your fifth win. How do you manage getting enough rest and making sure you come into a fight in excellent condition?
“I’m young so the recovery time between fights is only a couple of days. I’m always at the gym. It doesn’t matter if I have a fight or not. I try to stay busy and active. Boxing, like everything else in life, is a perishable skill. If I don’t continue to work at it, then I’m not going to get any better. The time in between fights is when we like to improve or tinker with things so the commitment is key.”
You won the NABA title in July against Daniel Noreiga in a landslide points victory. You’re making your first title defense, of any kind, against the crafty Erik Ruiz of Oxnard, Calif. What do you expect from Ruiz?
“I saw him fight in August (Corona, Calif.) and learned that he’s a pretty good counterpuncher. He has a strong team behind him in Robert Garcia. He has a solid right hand that I have to keep an eye on. That won’t matter though. I sized him up and I know I can take him.
In addition to defending your NABA title, you’ll also be fighting for the first time as a ranked challenger (WBA No. 15). Do you feel more pressure now that you’re starting to get recognized on a broader scale?
“I don’t let myself get caught up in the rankings or the hype. I still see myself as someone that has a lot to prove. I try not to hit the blogs or social media because I’m only focused on winning fights. I usually let my manager or promoter fill me in on any key developments.”
Your career is a lot more visible now that you’re defending an NABA title and have a world ranking. Did you do anything different in training camp to prepare for what might be your toughest fight yet?
“We always train smart and with a purpose. For this fight, we added a few more two-a-days. We got our sparring sessions in the morning and then came back in the evening to finish the rest of our routine. I feel fresh and ready to go. Fight week is always the toughest because you’re basically sitting around waiting to fight.”
