Sports Business
Danny Roman Attempts to Unify 122-pound Division Friday Night on DAZN
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ORANGE, Calif. (April 22, 2019) – WBA and IBF Super Bantamweight World ChampionsDanny Roman and TJ Doheny square off this Friday night from The Forum in Los Angeles and streamed live on DAZN in the U.S. and Sky Sports in the U.K.
Roman, who is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Matchroom Boxing, offers his thoughts on the unification fight, his most memorable career moments, on returning to his hometown of Los Angeles, what he thinks of the fellow champion Doheny, and more in this brief Q&A.
Danny Roman (26-2-1 10KOs)
Unification fights are tough to finalize for a variety of reasons. Will a victory make you the best in the division, not just in your eyes, but in the viewpoints of the boxing community at large?
“I’ll leave that to the boxing public to figure out. I do know the best talents in the division are the champs and I’ve been very clear in my public requests to fight all of them. I don’t want to be the one to say that I’m the best. It’s just not in my nature. That stuff sorts itself out on its own. Doheny is a great champion so I have to get through him first before any talk of best in the division can happen. This is the fight that I’ve always wanted and people know that. The best fighting the best. That’s what people want to see.”
What about your boxing journey sticks out the most for you? Is it the early years when you were just trying to book a four rounder, your championship arrival, subsequent title defenses (now three successful and counting), or any other moments that make you realize what you’ve accomplished?
“There are a couple of moments. My first loss in 2011 was incredibly tough to handle. I was super young and just starting out. I had to quickly forget about it and just move on. It was easier said than done. Another time that is clear as day was my title eliminator with Adam Lopez in Atlantic City. Everyone favored him going in and nobody really gave me a chance except my team and my promoter. The fight was stopped in the ninth round because I basically used him as a punching bag. The other big moment was traveling to Japan and becoming a world champion. At that point, I had accomplished my dream and it’s a moment in time that will always be special for me.”
You’re fighting in the Los Angeles area for the first time since 2016. Prior to that, you were a staple at local boxing shows. How fulfilling is it to fight in your hometown with another title on the line?
“We’ve been traveling for a long time now. First the Atlantic City title eliminator and then we followed it up with two visits to Japan. After that it was Dallas and then Chicago. Since winning the world title in 2017, all my friends and family ask is when I’m going to be back in L.A. I’m going to have a bunch of fans in attendance. I’ll have a good amount of support in my corner. So yeah, I’m pretty pumped about fighting in backyard.”
Break down your opponent TJ Doheny.
“He’s a smart fighter. I saw him fight live so I know what he’s about. He knows how to use the ring. I have to watch out for his left hand. He knows how to move around so I might have to bring the fight to him, which is no problem for me. We have a plan in place and know how to adjust to different scenarios. We are well prepared like always.”
In its heyday, the Forum hosted many marquee fights and it recently has undergone a resurgence. What are your thoughts on potentially adding another storied chapter to this classic boxing venue?
“I grew up on those Forum fights so I’m familiar with the history. I actually always thought about one day fighting at the Forum, but boxing went away from the venue for awhile so I never thought I’d get the chance. It’s pretty crazy that I get to fight there and it’s even better since it’s a unification bout. I’m going to try to steal the show. Make it the fight of the night.”
For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.
For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.
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WBA champion Danny Roman at a recent training session in Los Angeles
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WBA super bantamweight champion Danny Roman
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On Friday night, Danny Roman defends his world title for the fourth time
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DAZN film crews track a recent workout session from Danny Roman
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WBA champion Danny Roman: “This is a fight you want to see. Champion against champion.”
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WBA champion Danny Roman lands a right upper cut during a sparring round
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Manager/trainer Eddie Gonzalez handles instructions between rounds
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WBA champion Danny Roman lands a left upper cut while sparring
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WBA champion Danny Roman goes by the nickname, “Baby Face Assassin”
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WBA champion Danny Roman vs. IBF champion TJ Doheny this Friday, April 26 from the Forum in LA
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Sports Business
Ontario Tower Buzzers and IE Chamber to Host Exclusive VIP Reception at New ONT Field
Business and community leaders invited to experience state-of-the-art stadium and celebrate new regional partnership
A new era of sports, entertainment, and economic opportunity is taking shape in the Inland Empire.
The Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce (IERCC), in partnership with the Ontario Tower Buzzers, will host an exclusive VIP Reception & Stadium Showcase on April 8 at the team’s newly unveiled home, ONT Field.
The event marks the Tower Buzzers’ official membership with the Chamber and offers business and community leaders a first-hand look at one of the region’s most anticipated new developments.
As the newest affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Ontario Tower Buzzers bring a powerful combination of professional sports, entertainment, and economic impact to the City of Ontario and the broader Inland Empire.
A First Look Inside ONT Field
Attendees will enjoy exclusive access to ONT Field, a modern, fan-focused stadium designed to elevate the minor league experience while serving as a premier venue for community engagement and regional events.

The evening will feature guided behind-the-scenes tours, highlighting premium areas, hospitality spaces, and the stadium’s innovative design—offering a unique perspective on a project that is expected to drive both visitation and investment in the area.
Celebrating Partnership and Regional Growth
“This is exactly the kind of partnership that reflects where the Inland Empire is headed,” said Edward Ornelas Jr., President & CEO of the Inland Empire Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The Ontario Tower Buzzers represent more than a new team—they represent momentum, investment, and a new level of opportunity for our region. We’re proud to welcome them as members and to showcase this incredible facility to our business community.”
The VIP Reception underscores IERCC’s role as a connector—bringing together business, government, and emerging industries to support strategic growth across the Inland Empire.
Where Business, Sports, and Community Converge
With the addition of the Tower Buzzers and ONT Field, Ontario continues to strengthen its position as a destination for sports, entertainment, and economic development.
The event is expected to draw a curated audience of executives, stakeholders, and community leaders—further reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to providing high-level access and meaningful opportunities for its members.
Sports Business
Fontana’s Raymond Muratalla Defends IBF World Title in Las Vegas
Sponsored by Lluvia, the undefeated champion earns unanimous decision victory with guidance from Robert Garcia
Premium alkaline water brand Lluvia proudly stood behind Raymond Muratalla this past weekend as the Fontana, California native successfully defended his IBF World Lightweight Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Andy Cruz in Las Vegas.

Muratalla delivered a composed and technically sound performance, controlling the pace of the fight and earning a majority decision on the judges’ scorecards. The win further solidifies his position among boxing’s elite lightweights and marks another defining moment in his championship run.
Lluvia, a premium 9+ pH alkaline water brand inspired by rain and engineered for modern hydration, served as an official sponsor of Muratalla for the bout. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to preparation, performance, and intentional excellence—qualities Muratalla continues to display inside the ring.
Guiding Muratalla’s success is renowned trainer Robert Garcia, recently named Trainer of the Year by Ring Magazine. Garcia’s championship pedigree and strategic leadership were evident throughout the fight, reinforcing the strength of a team built for sustained success at the highest level of the sport.
Beyond the victory itself, Muratalla’s rise continues to resonate with his hometown of Fontana, where he has become a source of pride and inspiration for aspiring athletes. His disciplined approach, humility, and dedication to craft have helped establish him not only as a world champion, but as a respected representative of his community.
Lluvia’s sponsorship underscores the brand’s growing presence in elite athletics and performance-driven environments. Packaged in plastic-free aluminum cans and protected by advanced can technology, Lluvia is designed to help preserve water quality, taste, and pH stability—delivering clean, elevated hydration for athletes and active lifestyles.
As Muratalla continues to build his legacy as IBF World Lightweight Champion, Lluvia looks forward to supporting the journey ahead—both in and out of the ring.
Sports Business
City of Ontario Announces “Ontario Sports Empire” as Name for Largest Multi-Use Sports Complex on West Coast
The City of Ontario, The Sports Facilities Companies and Greater Ontario CVB scheduled to open 190-acre facility in fall 2026
The City of Ontario, The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), and the Greater Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) announced the official name of their groundbreaking multi-use sports complex: The Ontario Sports Empire. Set to open in fall 2026, the complex is positioned to become the premier venue for major regional and national tournaments, elevating Ontario as a key sports destination in the United States.
With 190 acres of top-tier athletic facilities, including 20 long fields, 14 youth diamond fields, eight full-size diamonds, four football/rugby fields and two championship baseball fields, the Ontario Sports Empire will be the largest sports complex of its kind west of the Rocky Mountains.
“The Ontario Sports Empire will bring new jobs, boost tourism, and create lasting opportunities for our local businesses,” said Paul Leon, Mayor of Ontario. “This project represents a key part of Ontario’s future as a regional hub for commerce, recreation, and culture.”
“This complex is not just another sports facility; it’s a national destination for elite competitions and youth development. It will also be home for the community to host events and celebrations,” said SFC Partner and National Director of Business Development Jim Arnold. “We’re excited to work alongside city leaders and industry experts to create a venue that will elevate Ontario’s profile on the sports tourism map and serve the community for years to come.”
Located just 10 minutes from Ontario International Airport, the Ontario Sports Empire is designed to draw teams from across the country. The city already boasts 6,000 hotel rooms and numerous entertainment options, making it an ideal location for visiting teams, athletes, and fans.
“This venue will position Ontario as a must-visit city for major sporting events. It’s an exciting development that will put Ontario on the national stage, driving significant growth in both sports tourism and local economic impact,” said Michael Krouse, President and CEO of GOCAL (Greater Ontario California) and the Greater Ontario Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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