Roman dominates Martin in 8 round victory!
Photos: Art Gallegos Jr./Standnfight.com
Super bantamweight prospect Danny Roman (13-2-1, 5 KOs) dominated and likely ended the nine year career of Chris Martin (38-5-3, 9 KOs) on Friday night at the Double Tree Hotel in Ontario Ca.
The 25 year-old Roman pressed the action in the opening rounds and was able to box around Martin’s offense in the middle rounds. The Garden Grove fighter punctuated a dominate performance in the eighth and final round, dropping Martin during a heated exchange midway through the round. A left hook stunned Martin and had him on weary legs while a follow up barrage put him down. Martin, who has now lost four of his last five, beat the count and managed to put together a final offensive on his way out but at the end of eight it was all Roman with a scores of 80-71 all around.
Roman vs. Martin headlined Thompson Boxing Promotions’ 15 year anniversary and was considered to be Roman’s first real test and a must-win for Martin. Roman seems to be back on track following two early losses and the San Diego fighter seems to be on his way out.
In the co-main event, local favorite Juan Reyes (12-1-3, 2 KOs) lost an six round majority decision to Mexicali’s Roberto Castaneda (21-9-1, 15 KOs). The high-output Reyes did what he does, came out at the bell and threw everything he had at Castaneda. Unfortunately for him, the 31 fight veteran shook off the wild combinations and was able to counter accurately and did his best fighting off the ropes. Reyes’ corner pleaded with him to slow the action and push the action behind the jab but Reyes continued to walk straight in and took big counter shots as a result. One judge would give Reyes a little more credit for his aggression, scoring the fight a draw at 57-57. The deciding judges however would both see it 59-55 for Castaneda.
Off for over a year, Efrain Esquivias (17-3-1, 10 KOs) returned to the ring and dropped a one-sided unanimous decision to Salt Lake City’s Jose Haro (8-1-1, 6 KOs) after eight rounds. An out of shape Esquivias failed to make weight on Thursday and the ring rust was apparent on Friday. Esquivias pressed the action but was hesitant as he walked down the smaller Haro, who was able box and put together body-head combinations. Haro dominated the exchanges and earned a wide decision with scores of 79-73 and 80-72 twice.
Unbeaten lightweight Cesar Villarraga (6-0, 4 KOs) had his hands full with a game Erick Aguirre (6-6-2, 4 KOs) but took a unanimous decision after six rounds. Aguirre had moments throughout the fight but it was Villarraga who seemed to get the better of the exchanges. Scores were 59-55 and 60-56 twice
San Fernando brawler Rigoberto Flores (6-1, 2 KOs) outworked a game Luis Hernandez (3-9, 3 KOs) and scored a four round unanimous decision in the opening bout of the night. Scores were 40-37, 40-36 and 39-37