Photo: Toundra Promotions
In a span of four months, Spanish boxer Kiko Martinez has emerged from relative obscurity to becoming the IBF super bantamweight champion with a recent successful title defense. Certainly, Martinez (30-4, 22 KOs) had held the European title on two occasions and was seen as a strong puncher. However, he had been stopped by Englishman Carl Frampton and when he traveled to the United States to face unbeaten IBF champion Jhonathan Romero, he was the underdog in that fight. On August 13th in Atlantic City, Martinez dominated and kayoed Romero in six rounds. Last December 21st, the 27-year-old champion defended his title against touted former titleholder Jeffrey Mathebula in Alicante, Spain. Again, Kiko was not the favorite but he stopped his opponent in nine rounds, proving the pundits wrong and showing that he is a force to be reckoned with the 122lb division. reached P.B.Kiko Martinez – the new kid on the block – to ask him a few pointed questions.
Kiko, regarding your recent title defense in Spain, did you feel bad that the Spanish television networks did not see fit to transmit your fight nationally?
Yes, Spanish television has turned their back on our sport. Not the fans, because the stadium where I fought was packed. I really hope that if I have continued success Spanish TV will renew its interest in boxing
Yes, boxing has been dormant in Spain these past years. It’s given very little space in newspapers and TV. So, how did you get interested in the sport?
Yes, boxing has been in bad shape in Spain this last decade, in spite of us having had world champions like Castillejo and Campillo. In my case, I was like most Spanish kids playing football but then one day, by mistake, I went into a boxing gym. It was love at first sight. I was just 14.
Why do you think some boxing writers predicted you would lose, first against Jhonathan Romero and then Jeffrey Mathebula?
Yes, I realize that I was the underdog in these two fights. Maybe they think that I’m just this crude banger. They could not be further from the truth. I’m gaining experience and polishing my technique. I would love to go back to the United States – where I won the title – and show the fans there who is Kiko Martinez. I hope the pundits will see me as the favorite in my next fight! (laughs)
Your worst memory is no doubt your loss against Englishman Carl Frampton. You were stopped in nine rounds and lost your European title. You want to talk about this fight?
Yes, it was my worst fight. There are reasons for that: I was having personal problems and I had changed trainers. I had not yet gotten accustomed to Pablo Sarmiento, my new trainer. All I can tell you is that next time I meet Frampton it will be a different Kiko Martinez and I will knock him out.
Apart from fighting Frampton again, who else would you like to fight?
I’d love to fight Nonito Donaire and Rigondeaux. But I’m willing to fight anybody in this division. I want to be the best and for that you have to be willing to fight the best boxers, here in Europe, in Spain or in the United States.
Your manger is middleweight champ Sergio Martinez. Does this help you to have a boxer like Sergio as a manager? Do you guys talk strategy, does he give you tips?
Yes, it’s an advantage I have to have somebody like Sergio in my corner. I’ve known Sergio before I became a world champion. We are like brothers. He and his team made it possible for me to get the opportunity to fight for a world title. I’m so grateful to Sergio and I will always be.
What would you say to a kid that wants to be a boxer?
I will tell him that to be a boxer means a lot of sacrifice. Be conscious of that; keep away from bad influences and so-called friends who will turn their back on you when things go wrong. And, above all, boxing is work, work and more
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