By Victor Salazar
New York- Although he may not be the biggest attraction come June 11th in front of many Puerto Rican fans, WBO super featherweight world champion Roman 'Rocky' Martinez (29-2-3, 17 KO’s) embraces the opportunity he has in front of him when he fights two-time Olympic gold medal winner Vasyl Lomachenko (5-1, 3 KO’s) in an HBO televised main event from the Theater in Madison Square Garden.
Martinez gets his chance to defend the title against one of the best boxers in the sport, and an army of Puerto Rican fans cheering him on. He will be a sizable underdog in the contest, but feels his experience in the pro ranks will be key.
“It’s a great opportunity to fight a great fighter like him,” Martinez told BoxingScene.com. "I’m a professional, we are ready. I can understand people and why the favor him but I’m the champion, I have a lot of professional experience. That night I’ll feel confident I’ll be victorious.”
Martinez, who fought all over the world, feels no pressure as being one of the few Puerto Rican champions in the sport.
“He’s a great fighter,” explained Martinez. “We’re working on some secret stuff, preparing ourselves for that night. I’m a veteran and proved myself. I fought all around the world so being one of the few Puerto Rican champions, there’s no added pressure.”
Should he be victorious, Martinez would love to get in the ring with Orlando Salido for a third time. Salido just fought to a draw with WBC featherweight world champion Francisco Vargas this past Saturday night at the StubHub in Carson, California.
In their rematch, Salido and Martinez fought to a controversial twelve round draw last September at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“This is a business I want to make that fight happen. This is a good fight. Maybe in the future we can fight again," Martinez said.