TJ Doheny has suffered the first defeat of his professional boxing career.
The Portlaoise southpaw lost out on points to Danny Roman in their world super-bantamweight unification bout at the Forum in Los Angeles.
Two judges called the fight in Roman's favour, 116-110, and 116-110, with the other judging it a draw, 111.
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
32-year-old Doheny, who was unbeaten in his first 21 fights in the pro ranks, was floored in the second and 11th rounds as he surrendered his IBF strap. He had no complaints about the result.
"It wasn't like I got beaten by some 'joe soap', I got beaten by the best 122 fighter in the world. I said all along in the build up, the winner was going to be the best in the number one in this division.
"Danny is the man, I can't take anything away from him. If there's a rematch on the cards...I want to come right back in at the top...there is where I belong. We came up short but I'm learning all the time and I think the best is still yet to come."
Roman now holds both the IBF and WBO super bantamweight belts and called out WBC title holder Rey Vargas for another unification fight. The American also paid tribute to Doheny.
“TJ, all my respect for him as a fighter, as a person. He was strong,” Roman said after the fight. “I don’t take nothing away from TJ. He’s a great champion.
"He’s a great guy, in the future, he deserves a re-match," added Roman. "But right now my goal is to fight the next champion, which is Rey Vargas.
"I knew that I had won the fight, I’m not sure what that 113-113 judge was thinking, but I have to respect it."
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