José "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."[1]
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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.[2]
Roman retired in 1981 with a record of 53 wins, 24 losses and 3 draws, with 26 knockout wins. He now works 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.[3]