LOS ANGELES, February 27 – It was the first Fight of the Year candidate of 2010 as Antonio Escalante and Miguel Roman delivered the goods in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas on Friday night.  When the grueling, back and forth, all out action war was over, Escalante emerged victorious via a 10-round unanimous decision, but there were truly no losers as far as the fans in attendance and those watching on ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” were concerned.

“I’m proud of Antonio for his performance and the heart he showed Friday night,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions, Escalante’s promoter who watched the fight from ringside in El Paso.  “He was in there with a tough warrior in Mickey Roman and he passed his test with flying colors. Congratulations to both men on a great and exciting fight.”

“Miguel Roman gave me one of my toughest fights ever and it was an honor sharing the ring with him,” said Escalante.  “This is the type of fight I always want to give my fans and I think I showed that I’m willing to leave everything in the ring in order to get the victory.  Now, bring on the best in the division, because I’m ready for them.”

With the victory, which El Paso’s Escalante won via scores of 96-93, 96-93 and 97-92, and improves to 23-2 with 14 KO’s.  It was the 24-year old’s ninth consecutive win and proof that he is not going to let anyone or anything stop him as he continues on his path towards a world title shot.