Salido More Confident With Rematch on 'Neutral' Ground

By Francisco Salazar

After his first 12 pro fights, Orlando Salido had a pro record of 6-5-1.

Who would have thought Salido would wind up winning multiple world title belts in two different weight classes? Very few people, but that is boxing for you.

Boxing fans forget Salido was just 15 years of age when he made his pro debut (three and a half months to be precise).

It has been quite a journey for Salido, one that has seen its ups and downs. But he believes he has a lot of left in the tank, despite being 34 years of age.

He fights Roman 'Rocky' Martinez in a rematch tonight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Salido will attempt to reclaim the WBO junior lightweight title from Martinez, which will be broadcast on Showtime Pay Per View, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT.

Salido (42-13-2, 29 KOs) has seen and done it all in 19 years as a pro. After losing out on three consecutive world title opportunities (one of those was a victory that was overturned because of Salido failing a post-fight drug test), the Phoenix, Ariz. resident finally won a world title belt with a decision win over Cristobal Cruz in 2010.

While Salido has defended and lost world titles, he has been also been known to fight in thrilling bouts, especially against the likes of Juan Manuel Lopez and most recently, Terdsak Kokietgym.
 
With regards to Lopez, rematching a Puerto Rican fighter should be deja vu for Salido. In his last bout on April 11, Salido lost his world title belt to Martinez by unanimous decision.

The bout took place in Puerto Rico and Salido lost three points during the course of the fight for landing below the belt line, some of them were legit and others were questionable.

"It's been known that when you go to Puerto Rico, you have to knock the opponent," Salido told BoxingScene.com over the phone this week. Salido did score back-to-back stoppage wins over Lopez in 2011 and 2012.

"It was frustrating for me because the ref would warn me for every little thing. It did affect my game plan, because I wanted to attack the body more. That's always what I do. Now the fight (tonight) is in a neutral place."

Aside from winning multiple world title belts, what has been impressive is the longevity Salido has had in the sport.

Some in boxing wonder if the brutal punishment has finally caught up to Salido. But the native from Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico, believes he still has a lot left in the tank, not just tonight, but many more fights down the line.

"I've had some difficult battles, but I feel fine. I've taken care of my body and I listen to my body when it's time to rest. I feel in great shape for this fight. We trained well and I believe I can fight just as well for the next couple years."

Who knows if Salido's resume is worthy of the Hall of Fame. But he has given boxing some tremendous battles in the ring.

If anything, there are a number of fights where was not given much of a chance, but he always seems to rise to the occasion and surprise the boxing world.

Tonight could be another example. Never count out the man with experience, especially one where he laced up his gloves as a pro at the age of 15.

"I've had a great career. (Tonight) will be no different). We worked hard and I am confident I will do enough to win and be a world champion again."

Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (CA) Star newspaper, RingTV, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing