Real name Jose Roman Rated at Heavyweight Nationality Puerto Rican Name Jose Roman Height 1.78 m Division Heavyweight Stance Orthodox stance | Nickname(s) King Reach 71 in (180 cm) Wins 53 Role Boxer Martial art Boxing Total fights 85 Draws 4 | |
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Born December 17, 1946 (age 77) Vega Baja, Puerto Rico ( 1946-12-17 ) | ||
Synd 30 6 73 jose king roman v elmo brown boxing
For other people with similar names, see the disambiguation page Jose Roman (disambiguation).
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Jose "King" Roman (born December 17, 1946) is a Puerto Rican former boxer who was Puerto Rico's regional heavyweight champion. He is better known as "Joe King Roman."
Pro career
In late August 1973, he travelled to Tokyo, Japan to challenge world Heavyweight champion George Foreman, losing by a knockout in the first round there on September 1. Roman's corner protested that he was hit by Foreman while Roman was down, although no action was taken on this complaint. Even though he lost, he made history by becoming the first Puerto Rican to challenge for the world's Heavyweight championship. The only fellow Puerto Ricans to challenge for the heavyweight championship are Ossie Ocasio, Fres Oquendo and John Ruiz, who later became the only Latino to hold a version of the heavyweight championship.
Retirement
Roman retired in 1981 with a record of 53 wins, 24 losses and 3 draws, with 26 knockout wins. He used to work at a Sweetbay Supermarket in Tampa, Florida. Ossie Ocasio and Fres Oquendo also challenged for the world's heavyweight championship, both are also from Puerto Rico. Ruiz was born in the USA of Puerto Rican ancestry.