By Luis Sandoval
Mikey Garcia (32-0, 27KOs) is hoping to secure his second world title in a second weight class when he faces WBO Super Featherweight champion Roman “Rocky” Martinez (27-1-2, 16KOs) this Saturday night at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, TX.
Garcia has looked dominant throughout his career and the hard hitting 25 year old has stopped 9 of his last 10 recent opponents. Even a fighter like Orlando Salido who was supposed to be a tough test for Garcia tasted the canvas repeatedly and was non competitive in their bout.
When Garcia spoke to BoxingScene, he was asked if he felt there was still more he had not shown us and if he felt any fighter had yet pushed him to his limits.
“It all depends on my opponent. How hard they fight and how much they push me. I mean I know I can still do more. The fights that I've had, I've made them kind of in a way easy for me. I know there are guys out there that can push me harder and make me fight harder and maybe this is one of those fights that can allow me to do that” Garcia would tell BoxingScene.
If its one thing Garcia isn’t doing is underestimating Martinez as he expects a hard tough fight from his Puerto Rican rival. Garcia may be favored to win but he’s coming into this fight well prepared and ready to deal with anything Martinez will bring to the ring.
“I always work hard and I have not just one, but two or three different game plans in stock for the fight. I think I can adjust during the fight to make sure that I'm always winning the rounds. I know he's going to be a tough guy. I can't think he's going to be a light walk through the park. It's going to be a tough fight and he's not going to lose without giving a tough fight. I'm expecting a really good fight from him. I think he's going to be in really good shape because he wants to keep that title and he knows that he's facing me” said Garcia.
Garcia is officially venturing into the 130 pound division after failing to make the 126 pound Featherweight limit last June when he faced Juan Manuel Lopez. Now working with strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, Garcia feels strong and has no doubt he’ll carry his power up with him in the ring this Saturday night.
You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter & Instagram @Truewest007.