The long anticipated fight between WBC Super Featherweight champion Miguel Berchelt and Miguel "Mickey" Roman took place at the Don Haskins Center on Saturday on Top Rank ESPN in front of a large electric crowd of 5,420.  Fans were treated to a huge card throughout the evening, the co-main event ended in the fourth round as Miguel Marriaga KO'd Jose Estrella with a body shot to the liver.

The much anticipated main event certainly didn't disappoint, fans began by chanting Roman's name before the bout even began.  The native of Juarez began the fight landing a few big shots in the first round, where both fighters fought conservatively by learning each other's styles.  Berchelt got going in the second by landing numerous crisp, clear shots, but Roman was still the aggressor as he got the champion against the ropes and the crowd erupted every time he landed a punch.

Mikey Williams / Top Rank
Mikey Williams / Top Rank
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It was clear after the second round that we were witnessing an all out brawl.   Berchelt dominated the third round landing shots at will and establishing numerous combos as well, nearly knocking down the challenger witht a left hook.  Following the third, there was no doubt that Berchelt was the superior fighter.  In the sixth round the champion was totally in control and it officially became a one-sided affair after Berchelt knocked Roman down three times, taking control of the fight.  Despite being in serious trouble, Roman was able to weather the storm and continue on.

The rest of the bout Roman displayed his tremendous courage and heart by taking the best shots the champion had to offer and continued to duke it out with solid counter punches. The eighth round brought more dominance by Berchelt as he continued to land power shots, staggering and wearing Roman out, who was noticeably exhausted.  The ninth was the beginning of the end for Roman as he was knocked down again and the referee stepped in to stop it as Mickey seemed rendered defenseless against the ropes just before the bell rang at 2:58 to give the champion the TKO victory, and his fourth successful title defense.

Mikey Williams / Top Rank
Mikey Williams / Top Rank
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Following the match Berchelt paid Roman quite the compliment by saying "this was the toughest of my four title defenses, I want to give my respect to Mickey Roman."  Roman then noted when asked about the loss, "I'm sorry that I did not fulfill my promise to my son to leave with this green belt."  His dedication to his fans was clearly evident when Roman also said, "I'm really sad right now, not so much for me but for all the fans who came out here to give me their support, but I know I'm willing to die in the ring for them." El Pasoans enjoyed a special show on Saturday night and continued to prove why this city is such a phenomenal fight town, and will continue to attract huge bouts in the future.

 

 

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