Pedraza Ready To Help Martinez Take Down Vasyl Lomachenko

By Miguel Rivera

Undefeated IBF junior lightweight champion Jose "Sniper" Pedraza, who last Saturday successfully defended his crown against mandatory challenger Stephen Smith of England, is ready to make himself available to his compatriot and World Boxing Organization (WBO) world champion Roman 'Rocky' Martinez in preparing en route to his fight on June 11 against the Vasyl Lomachenko of Ukraine.

Pedraza, who beat Smith by a comfortable unanimous decision to improve his record to 22-0, 12 KO's, did not hesitate when approached about the possibility that Martinez will soon require help when it comes to sparring and other areas.

While they are promoted by rival companies in Puerto Rico, Pedraza and Martin are both advised by Al Haymon.

"I would immediately say that I'd be willing to provide him with help," responded to El Vocero. "I know it's a tough fight, but I have faith in [Martinez]."

The fight between Martinez and Lomancheko will be officially announced on Thursday in the Big Apple. The HBO televised contest takes place at the Theater in New York's Madison Square Garden.

This would not be the first time where Pedraza would be there to help Martinez. The two had worked together prior to Martinez's battle against Orlando 'Siri' Salido in April 2015.

Because of their great relationship and friendship, Pedraza has no interest in making a unification with his compatriot.

Recently, he mentioned only the Dominican Javier "The Drone" Fortuna, who is the champion of the World Boxing Association (WBA), and Mexico's Francisco "El Bandido" Vargas, who holds the title of the World Boxing Council (WBC) - as two potential options.

Nor he has ruled out the possibility of heading up to 135 pounds.

"Maybe I'll do one more fight at 130 pounds and then go up to 135. If we can secure a unification at 130 - that would be the best. For the unification I see names like Francisco Vargas and Javier Fortuna. They are the ones who interest me," Pedraza said.