No false hype for TJ Doheny as ideal scenario plays out

Ireland’s IBF world champion TJ Doheny [21(15)-0] believes his super bantamweight unification clash with Danny Roman [26(10)-2(0)-1] has WAR written all over it. 

Although mooted for some weeks now it was yesterday officially confirmed that our only reigning male world champion will face WBA champion and Matchroom stablemate Danny Roman at The Forum in Los Angeles on Friday April 26th.

The bout provides ‘The Power’ with the chance to join Carl Frampton, Katie Taylor and Ryan Burnett as an Irish fighter to unify titles and create a unique legacy for himself.

However, the Australia-based Laois man, who trains in Boston, seems as excited for the fans as he is himself for the DAZN and Sky Sports-hosted clash.

Doheny, who was present at last weekend’s National Elite Championship finals, claims the hype machine won’t have to be rolled out for the clash of champions and predicts the bout could descend into an entertaining war.

The 32-year-old explained how “we met in the ring after the fight in New York, and there was a lot of respect for each other. That’s the way it should be. We’re two world class fighters, two world champions in the division.”

“A fight like this doesn’t need any false hype, I think that when you’ve got two world class fighters like this that’s enough of a selling point for a high-calibre fight like this,” Doheny added before giving credit to Roman.

“Danny’s a great fighter, he adds a lot of pressure, he’s a great puncher, great punch selection, he’s got it all really. It’s going to be a great fight between us, and I won’t be surprised if the fans get to see a bit of a war.”

It’s a massive fight and occasion for Doheny.

Having secured some mainstream prominence by dethroning Ryosuke Iwasa to claim the world title in Japan last August, a link-up Matchroom and a successful defence against Ryohei Takahashi at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in January saw interest in the southpaw increase. 

Now the IBF titleholder has the chance to make serious strides toward stardom and admits the ducks have lined up in an orderly row over the last few months.

“This was my ideal scenario,” he continued.

“Get the voluntary defence out of the way, then go straight into the unification, so great work from my team, and Eddie Hearn with Matchroom Boxing USA for getting this fight on.”

“It’s unbelievable, it would mean the world to me. It’s just another boxed ticked, after I won the world title, the next goal was to become a unified champion. I’m looking forward to achieving that.”

To unify belts Doheny will have to defeat Roman in his home city, but he has on the road upset previous having defeated Iwasa to become only the second Irish or British fighter to win a world title in Japan.

The Sydney-based Portlaoise BC graduate certainly isn’t concerned as to where the fight will play out.

“Fighting Danny in his home city, that doesn’t bother me. I’ve been fighting on the road my whole career, so it will be no different to me.”

“It’s me and him in the ring, and it’s going to be all action.”