DeMarco Retains WBC Title Over Roman In Mexico

The scene last night at Polideportivo Centenario in Los Mochis, Mexcio was a happy one for WBC lightweight kingpin Antonio DeMarco after the lanky southpaw was successful in his maiden defense against challenger Miguel “Mickey” Roman.

DeMarco came into the contest bearing three straight victories following his punishing loss to KO artist Edwin Valero for the WBC strap in 2010, the most recent of which netted the Tijuana native the vacant WBC belt with an 11 round stoppage of ex-two weight world champ Jorge Linares.

Ciudad Juarez man Roman was the clear underdog coming into the bout, having only performed as a lightweight on one previous occasion during a recent career spent largely at super feather and even featherweight, losing a decision for the WBA 126 pound trophy against Jonathan Victor Barros a year ago.

The weight difference in the boxers was telling from the start, particularly as the 5’10 DeMarco towered above the 5’5 Roman, who also was at a clear disadvantage in the reach department.

Seasoned veteran Roman just didn’t have the skills or punch at the higher weight to keep off DeMarco, who lashed the challenger with hard shots to the head and body.

The two men from Mexican border towns went at it tooth and nail, however as the rounds wore on, the normally durable Roman, despite showing a big heart, began to look increasingly ragged, soaking up punishment.

By the fifth round DeMarco was running rampant and soon Roman was on the canvas and failed to beat the count, ending the contest.

DeMarco improves to 27-2-1 (20), while Roman suffers his first stoppage loss, falling to 37-10 (28).

Next up for DeMarco could be a rematch against Linares and the winner could meet undefeated former WBA/IBF featherweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa, the number one WBC challenger at lightweight.