Manny “Suavecito” Roman (14-0, 5 KO’s) started out his pro career at only sixteen years old against some of the toughest fighters in the Tijuana boxing circuit where he more than held his own.

On Wednesday, April 8th, he gets his first title shot at “The Battle in the Ballroom” in Irvine, California against Anthony Villareal (8-2, 4 KO’s) for the Super flyweight WBC Youth Intercontinental belt.  Roman, ranked #7 by the World Boxing Council is a 21 year old former amateur standout who fights out of the well regarded Espinoza Boxing Club. He answered some questions for fans a few days before his big fight:

You have a title fight against Anthony Villareal who you fought and beat twice before as amateurs. Does that give you an advantage over him?

A little bit but not much. We all go through changes and he might not be the same fighter he was.  I think the result will be the same. It’s going to be a good fight. He’s very quick but I’ll beat him again.

He’s a very aggressive fighter how will you keep him off you?

By using my longer reach and my jab to keep him on the outside. By boxing around him and landing my shots. I have to make sure I get his respect.

What was it like to fight your first six pro fights in Tijuana at sixteen years old?

It was hard to get in the ring at first. I faced fighters that were older and more experienced than me and sometimes they were bigger but I was tired of being an amateur and I wanted to start my pro career.

What do you like to do when you’re not boxing?

I’m into dogs and some day I want to be a dog breeder. Right now I have an American Bully and I hope to get a few more. I also work at my parent’s restaurant (Pacific Burgers in Downey ) all the time to keep busy. I do a little bit of everything there.

What are your long term goals?

I want to be the undisputed champion. I want to own all the belts in my weight division. We’re going to take it one step at a time but eventually we’ll get those titles.

Who are your favorite fighters?

Right now I like Manny Pacquiao, Victor Ortiz and Alfredo Angulo.

What motivates you?

My parents and my family really motivate me. I want to be able to help them get a better lifestyle someday. I want to make my dad proud because he’s always been there for me. I want to make sure that all the time he put into me wasn’t a waste.

What can the fans expect from you on Wednesday night?

They can expect me to be in top shape and a great performance and an exciting fight. They can expect to see my hand getting raised. There will be no question who won. They’re going to see how dedicated I am to this sport and how much desire and discipline I have. I started training in January for this fight so I’m really, really prepared.

For more on Roman vs. Villareal:

For more on Manny Roman: