Lightweight prospect Jose “El Gato” Roman (14-1-1, 11 KOs) of Garden Grove, Calif. has signed an exclusive promotional contract with Thompson Boxing Promotions. The Southern-California based company will feature Roman on its next event, Friday, Nov. 22 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.
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- Credit: Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing
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- Credit: Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing
“Roman is a known commodity in the boxing industry,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “He is a knockout artist with boxing skills and he already has a solid following. We will keep him busy and we expect big things from him in 2014 and beyond.”
“I’m excited for this opportunity and anxious to get back in the ring,” said the 25-year-old Roman. “It feels great to have the backing of such a well respected promotional company and I look forward to making my Thompson debut in November.”
Roman, who is built like a welterweight but fights in the lightweight division, started his professional career blazing hot, scoring eleven knockouts in his first 14 fights. A technical draw against Javier Garcia and a close split decision loss to Robert Osiobe have slowed his momentum, but Roman believes those speed bumps are well behind him.
“Boxers always face adversity and as long you learn from your experiences, you become a better boxer,” Roman said. “I have a great team in place now that will help me get to the places I want to get.”
Roman is trained by the highly respected Joel Diaz and managed by Bay Area-based attorney Steven Martini. Roman is unlike many lightweights in that he is nearly six feet tall and has very little trouble cutting down to the 135-pound lightweight limit.
“I’ve always had a fast metabolism and an excellent ability for long distance running,” said Roman, who as a freshman in high school was the No. 2 ranked cross country runner in Orange County. “When I ran cross country I was able to run three miles in 16 minutes. I ultimately had to give that up to focus more on boxing.”
“There is a lot of talent in Southern California and Roman is probably at the top of that list, we are proud he came to us and we will do our best to make this KO artist a star,” said Alex Camponovo, general manager and matchmaker for Thompson Boxing. “El Gato is fun to watch, has great stamina, and is preparing to have a busy schedule as we move him toward his main goal: to be a world champion.”
After boxing, Roman plans to re-enroll at California State University, Fullerton to complete his B.S. degree in Biochemistry.
