He beat cancer and got up on his feet to beat other junior boxers in his weight class, and now, competing as an adult in the ring this time, Franklin’s Jose Roman III has risen up to become this year’s New England Golden Gloves Of America champion in the 110 lb. category, winning a February 26 match against Melvin Garcia of Bridgeport, CT.

“He is a multi-time state champ, probably one of the best in New England, a very good fighter,” says a proud 18-year-old Roman, “I don’t think there’s a harder fighter for me to fight in New England than him. A lot of people thought he was going to win, but I’m determined in everything in life. I’ve been doubted every time, but I’ve always found a way to prove a point.”

He had fought and beat the fighter in the past, but “this time, this fight was personal,” says Roman, adding, “I needed to get this one, especially where this was the Golden Gloves.”

“I think it was a very good fight and a very good performance by me, and I fought a very good fighter,” says Roman.

Roman, who is coached by his father, and now, Peter Manfredo Jr. will be the youngest member of his team to head to the Golden Gloves Of America National Championship on May 11th  - 16th in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“He punches to the body like no tomorrow, and he works hard. He has a good upside, and the only thing he has against him is the light weight,” says Manfredo, noting that getting him fights at his weight is not always easy and he’d “ like to see him get as many amateur fights as possible.” Fighting at the national level, he says will help him pick up experience.

“Last night, I had him sparring guys at 140,” adds Manfredo, “I want him to see a lot of different styles. You don’t know what you’re going to spar with at the national level…

In the boxing world it’s a pretty big thing, not just winning, but winning all of New England. That’s a major thing to advance. You want to be able to simulate almost every type of style.”

Manfredo, who says he’s been around the game a long time, lauds Roman’s growth, explaining that as a coach, he’s “very particular. I’m very hard on him. Once he does listen and he sees how it works for him, he stays with it.”

The fighter himself says,” A lot of determination, a lot of hard work, went into this fight. I think this was the toughest competition you can get in New England, and it was a test I passed.”

Jose’s father will accompany him to nationals.

“He’s always been supportive, and he’s going with me to the nationals,” says the young boxer, “It’s always been a team effort to see me improve.”

Roman, Jr. says, “I’m proud of him that’s he’s gotten to experience going to nationals. He’s been working very hard to get to this point. I’m very proud of how well he’s done, in and out of boxing.”

You can follow Jose’s progress on Instagram at “Joseelrelampagoroman”.

Learn more about Golden Gloves of America and livestream at www.goldenglovesusa.org .