On December 9, 2017, Boxing After Dark returns to HBO to play host to the main event bout between Orlando Salido (44-13-4, 31 KOs) and Miguel “Mickey” Roman (57-12, 44 KOs).
The two will meet at center ring inside the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas. The bout will take place for the interim WBC Super Featherweight title, and could ideally set up a fight with current champion Miguel Berchelt.
The all-Mexican affair has all the makings of what could turn into a fight of the year candidate. Both Roman and Salido stalk their opponents inside the ring and rarely take steps backward in an exchange. For Roman, it’s an opportunity at a world title shot that has eluded him for his almost 15-year career as a professional. Roman found himself in a similar position earlier in the year when he took on Takashi Miura (31-4, 24 KOs) in a title eliminator bout back in January.
In the Miura bout, Roman took and gave his best shots for almost 12 rounds before being ultimately stopped by the Japanese fighter. “The Takashi fight was a good learning experience for me,” said Roman. “I know what it’s like to be in a war and ultimately we gave the fans a great fight.”
The former champ Salido knows a thing or two about slugging it out as well, as he’s partaken in a fair share of brawls himself. Roman made it very evident that he’s aware of the challenge placed in front of him and plans to make the most of opportunity.
“A win over Salido can open many doors for me moving forward,” said Roman. “I know he’s a tough fighter and he likes to come forward but I’m ready to come forward too. The moment I received the call for this fight, I instantly became motivated.”
Just days away from fight night Roman says that all the hard work in preparation for this fight is just about complete. “We feel great. This training camp has been tremendous. At this point, we’re just fine-tuning a few parts of the game plan,” said Roman.
Although the Salido-Roman card will most likely air at the same time as the highly-anticipated Vasly Lomachenko–Guillermo Rigondeaux fight, it is certainly a fight to look out for.
If you’re like most fight fans that drool over all-out action brawls, keep your eyes peeled for Mickey Roman and Orlando Salido this weekend on HBO.
