Daniel Roman wants an immediate rematch with Murodjon Akhmadaliev

Instead, Roman took the challenge head-on. The move proved to be costly as Roman lost by split-decision to Akhmadaliev that snapped his six-year and 19-fight winning streak. Although Roman (27-3-1, 10 KOs) doesn't want to discredit what Akhmadaliev did inside the ring, after rewatching the bout, the 29-year-old felt he did more than enough to win. Because of that, he seeks an immediate rematch.

“It was a close fight, and I take my hat off to Akhmadaliev for being a true warrior,” Roman said in a press release. “I want a rematch because I think I won the fight. I believe I deserve to get that opportunity because I left it all in the ring. I know Akhmadaliev has the heart of a champion, and I believe he’ll want a to face me once more to settle the score between us.”

The win over Roman meant the 25-year-old Akhmaaliev (8-0, 6 KOs) tied Leon Spinks as the fastest to become a unified world champion in only his eighth professional contest. Roman feels if he gets another crack at the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, the result will be different, and he'll become a two-time unified titleholder at 122 pounds. 

“It’s moments like these where a true champion shows his heart by working his way back to the top,” Roman said. “There is no doubt in my mind that I’ll once again be a world champion when that opportunity presents itself. My promoters and management team are the best. I know they will get it done. I’m going to do everything in my power to get my world titles back.”