Danny Roman to face Ryo Matsumoto on February 28

WBA “world” super bantamweight titleholder Danny Roman will head back to Japan for his first title defense on February 28, facing Ryo Matsumoto at Tokyo’s famed Korakuen Hall.

From ESPN:

"If you put in the work and the sacrifice like I do then it makes no difference where I fight," Roman said. "I have a great team behind me. My preparation for Matsumoto is already underway. I know he's going to bring everything he has and I'm going to be ready for it."

Said promoter Ken Thompson: "Danny will be making his case as the best in his (weight) class when he faces Matsumoto. We've watched Danny mature into a top-flight world champion and now the world gets to see his special talent. We're excited for him and have no doubt that he will retain his WBA championship in February."

Roman (23-2-1, 9 KO) made his first real splash in January, when he stopped then-unbeaten prospect Adam Lopez on ShoBox. He went to Japan on September 3, where he dominated Shun Kubo, also undefeated at the time, to claim the WBA “world” title at 122 pounds.

Matsumoto (21-1, 19 KO) has won four straight since an upset loss to Victor Uriel Lopez in May 2016, including avenging that defeat seven months later. He went 3-0 this year, but despite an impressive looking record and KO percentage, he’s never really fought at this level or faced a contender, or even a real fringe contender.