Pedraza Promises To Put on a Show With Martinez

By Francisco Salazar

Unbeaten super featherweight Jose Pedraza will now face Juan Carlos Martinez in a 10 round bout on August 15.

The bout will take place at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez and will precede the main event bout between lightweights Rustam Nugaev and Danis Shafikov.

"Martinez is coming off an impressive win against Perez who is a good fighter," said Pedraza. "I know he's going to be coming with all he's got to try to knock me off, but I'll be ready for anything he brings.  Gary Shaw and Javier Bustillo have once again got me a wonderful opportunity to showcase my skills on an international stage.  A world title fight is right around the corner and I just want to keep getting better with each fight. I'm excited to put on a good show for the fans."

In his last bout on June 7 in New York City, Pedraza (17-0, 11 KOs) stopped Arturo Uruzquieta in the first round. Pedraza also has impressive victories over Gabriel Tolmajyan and Alberto Garza.

Pedraza is already ranked in the top 10 in three of the sanctioning bodies.

Martinez (20-14-1, 7 KOs) has had a penchant for pulling of mild upsets in recent years, but he may have scored his best win on paper when he defeated Alejandro Perez in his last bout by split decision on March 29. Perez was said to fight for a world title had he defeated Martinez.

Also on the card is Rufino Serrano (14-5, 1 KO) from nearby Santa Maria fighting Khabir Suleymanov in a six round featherweight bout.

The card is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions and will be televised live on ESPN2. The "Friday Night Fights" telecast will begin at 9PM ET/ 6PM PT. Tickets start at $35 and could be purchased by calling 1-800-CHUMASH. Doors open at 5PM local time, with first bout scheduled for 5:30PM.