DORADO, PUERTO RICO - Nearly a month before his match against Britain's Ricky Burns in Scotland, the Puerto Rican champion Roman "Rocky" Martinez showed off his great condition by weighing in at 135 pounds in his pre-fight weigh-in before the Boxing Commission of Puerto Rico. (photos by Jose Perez/PRBBP)
Martinez (24-0-1, 15 KOs) will defend the Junior Lightweight title of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) for the second time against Burns (28-2 and seven knockouts). The maximum pre-fight weight allowed was 149.5-pounds (15% of the 130 division, but the champion scored almost 15 pounds less than what he should have).
"We are ready, I have always taken good care of my weight. All that remains is to step into Scotland and then back to Puerto Rico with the title again, "Martinez said after making weight at the Municipal Gym of Dorado.
In Burns, the Puerto Rican boxer will find a 5'10 "tall native of Scotland, who made his most recent fight last May 15 when he beat by decision in England Youssef Al Hamidi.
About his opponent, Martinez said Burns is a top fighter, a fighter who doesn't have a loss by knockout on his record, but we are making adjustments in order to earn the knockout for a very convincing victory. "
The unbeaten will travel over to Scotland with his team, led by coach Raul "Papo" Torres on Sunday, August 29th , to complete their preparations en route to their commitment and become acclimated to the temperature of the place.
"I was once there, I acclimatize well and we are in perfect condition, so I do not think it affects me much to arrive a week before," said Martinez.
