Roman candle – TJ Doheny claims fireworks will replace respect in unification clash

TJ Doheny [21(15)-0] claims the mutual respect shown between himself and Danny Roman in the build up to their eagerly anticipated world title unification will go up flames and ignite fireworks once the first bell rings in LA.

The world champions, who meet on the April 26 Rungvisai v Estrada II card at The Forum in Inglewood, haven’t shared a cross word since meeting in the ring after Doheny’s maiden IBF title defence early this year.

Indeed, both have used every opportunity given to pay tribute to the other throughout a friendly build-up.

Not only have Doheny and the WBA strap owner given each other credit for taking a ‘fight the best’ approach, but they have praised each others’ individual skills and talked down any need for trash talk.

It’s all been pleasant and, such is at stake and such is the talent of the stakeholders, no bad blood narrative is needed to make the bout an exciting prospect.

The approach seems to have suited the gentlemanly Portlaoise puncher and Ireland’s only reigning world champion as talking to the media never mind ‘using’ them as a vehicle for mind games is not something he overly enjoys.

However, Doheny predicts he will get mean and nasty and that respect will go up in smoke once the first bell goes in the massive unification clash come April 26th live on Sky Sports and DAZN.

“There’s a lot of respect between myself and Danny… a fight of this magnitude does not need that kind of stuff,” he explained before predicting war.

“Come April 26th when that first bell goes, the respect will be gone out the window, and the fans can expect fireworks.”

“This is the kind of fight I want to be involved in. It’s a dream of mine – as soon as I got my world title that’s all I’ve been pushing for is a unification,” added the Matchroom fighter before suggesting that the winner of the West Coast clash can been deemed the best at the weight in the world.

“I want to thank Daniel Roman for taking the fight and wanting to unify the division. In my opinion this is probably the best two 122 fighters in the world going off right now.”

WBA title holder Roman [26(10)-2(0)-1] seems to have a similar opinion. The American believes his clash with the Irish world champ will steal a show that is topped by a repeat of a 2018 Fight of the Year contender.

“I’m excited to be back home and excited that TJ’s here. This is a fight you want to see. The best against the best, champion against champion.”

“I’ve been asking for this fight since I won the world title, and finally it’s here. It’s going to be a great card, but I feel we’re going to steal the show that night.”