by Francisco Salazar
Junior lightweight contender Miguel ‘Mickey’ Roman notched a victory in his return to the ring Saturday night, defeating Nicaragua’s Ramiro Blanco by decision Saturday night at the Gimnasio Municipal ‘Jose Neri Santos’ in his hometown of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
Saturday night was Roman’s first fight since his knockout loss to WBC junior lightweight titleholder Miguel Berchelt on Nov. 3. The fight took place across the U.S.-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas.
The taller and lankier Blanco stood in the pocket with Roman, but the experienced Roman landed the more-effective punches throughout the fight.
The pace of the fight slowed down by the seventh round. Both fighters chose to exchange in the center of the ring and wing hooks and crosses, with Roman connecting often against Blanco.
Well ahead on points going into the final round, Roman chose to box and counter Blanco until the final bell sounded.
Scores were 120-108, 120-108, and 119-109 for the 33-year-old Roman, who improves to 61-13, 47 knockouts.
Roman, who is eyeing another opportunity to fight for a world title belt, is ranked No. 3 by the WBC.
Blanco drops to 18-5-3, 10 KOs and has now lost four of his last six bouts.
Junior bantamweight contender Diana Fernandez (20-2, 4 KOs), who also resides in Ciudad Juarez, defeated Kandt Sandoval (10-13, 2 KOs) by decision. Scores were 98-91, 98-91, and 97092 for Fernandez, who has now won her last four bouts.
Fringe junior welterweight contender Bryan Flores defeated former contender Nery Saguilan (39-12-1, 13 KOs) by unanimous decision over eight rounds. Flores improves to 26-2, 12 KOs.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for krikya360.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing