TJ Doheny lost his IBF super bantamweight after a barnstorming bout against WBA titlist Danny Roman at The Forum in Inglewood in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The Portlaoise native performed admirably throughout but ultimately was on the losing end of a majority decision.
A knockdown in the second and again in the eleventh proved crucial in the end. The fight was scored 113-113 on one card but 116-110 on the other two.
The strong showing, willingness to take on away fights and well-paired styles should be enough to guarantee a re-match for the Irish boxer who was humble in defeat.
Two class acts!! Hats off to both warriors @TjDoheny and Danny Roman @thompsonboxing @MatchroomBoxing @DAZN_USA pic.twitter.com/LikRaoBLIS
— Thompson Boxing (@thompsonboxing) April 27, 2019
Twelve rounds of total all-out WAR! ?
Congratulations Daniel Roman! @DAZN_USA @SkySports #RomanDoheny pic.twitter.com/Pb6FdMMDXo
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) April 27, 2019
WHAT A FIGHT! ? Danny Roman came out on top in an incredible battle between 2 world champions.
Here are just 3 of the key moments... ?
? Srisaket v Estrada is up next on Sky Sports Main Event pic.twitter.com/3IrhVUePdM
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) April 27, 2019
Gave it my best shot tonight, came up short but no shame in losing to a great fighter in a world title unification. The main thing is that I’m improving as a fighter and my best is yet to come. I’ll take a little break and be back in no time. Thanks for all your support. ThePower
— TJ Doheny (@TjDoheny) April 27, 2019
Doheny was as classy post-fight as he was in the ring.
I got beaten by the best 122 fighter in the world. I said it all along in the build-up, the winner was going to be the best in the world. Danny is the man, I can't take anything away from him. If there is a re-match on the cards, whatever I want to come straight back to the top. I don't want to be rebuilt. This is where I belong. We came up short tonight but I am still learning all the time and I think the best is yet to come.
I just want to say thanks as well, I'm not licking his ass or anything, but I want to say thanks to Eddie Hearn. The man is unbelievable. He is one of the best promoters in the world and he gave me this opportunity. I just want to thank him off the bat.
