Raul Martinez: "If Anyone Can Beat Donaire, It's Me"

By Ryan Songalia

Super-flyweight contender Raul "The Cobra" Martinez of San Antonio, TX, is thinking smaller as opposed to bigger for his next fight. Although a top-rated fighter at 115 pounds, his next fight - his first title opportunity - will be at 112 pounds against IBF claimant Nonito Donaire on March 22 at Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines. It will be his first appearance since blowing away Victor Proa in one round in November.

Unbeaten in 24 fights, Martinez spoke with BoxingScene about the pivotal fight he has in front of him.

BoxingScene.com: This is your first world title opportunity, why is this the fight that you wanted for your first shot?

Raul Martinez: "Well, I was given a few dates to fight. The first was January 24 then February 7 or February 21. None of them came through, opponents fell out. Then a few weeks ago I got a call saying Top rank wants me to fight Nonito in the Philippines in March for the title. I'm in great shape, been training since last year non stop. I feel in the point of my career where I'm at right now, I'm ready for anyone. So I said yes."

BoxingScene: What are your thoughts on Nonito Donaire?

Martinez: "He is one of if not the best champion in the lower weight classes right now. If anyone can beat him, it's me."

BoxingScene: You've only fought at 112 once before, do you think moving down in weight can negatively affect you?

Martinez: "No, I'm in great shape right now. Making 115 is easy. I actually weighed 112 a couple of days before my last fight in November. So 112 can be made strong and I'll be ready to go."

BoxingScene: A lot of people may be sleeping on you, how do you feel about the people who may be looking past you?

Martinez: "Of course there are people sleeping on me, because Nonito has a bigger name. He's the champion. So its my job to do my best that night and get the big win. Then people wont sleep on me."

BoxingScene: Donaire struggled in his last fight, injured a knuckle and hasn't looked all sterling like he did against Darchinyan. Do you think he is becoming lazy with success?

Martinez: "No, I feel anyone could have their off-nights. It's just my job as the opponent, getting my first big world title opportunity to shine that night.

BoxingScene: What motivates you towards success? Is it the money, the glory? What is pushing you right now?

Martinez: "I've told many people that my future is my motivation. I want my future to be good and not have to struggle to make ends meet. So I work hard right now to make my future a reality. Of course the money and glory comes to thought all the time. I just want to make a name for myself in boxing."

BoxingScene: Do you expect Donaire to be your toughest fight to date?

Martinez: "Yes I feel it probably will be. So I have to prepare myself for whatever he brings to the table."

BoxingScene: Why do you think you will beat Donaire?

Martinez: "Anyone can get beat on any given night, it just matters how bad you want it. And I want it bad. I need to be a world champion to feel like I succeeded in boxing."

BoxingScene: Will you settle into the 112 pound division or are you a more natural 115 pounder?

Martinez: "Either or, 112 or 115. I feel strong at both weights. I think right now 112 would be perfect for me."

BoxingScene: Do you have any reservations about going to Philippines to fight Donaire?

Martinez: "It will be different but I've traveled around the world as an amateur, so I'm used to it. I knew being a flyweight, I would probably have to travel to another country and fight for a world title. This is it."

BoxingScene: What was your amateur career like, record, any notable achievements?

Martinez: "I was 70-20-1, one draw in Ukraine (laughs). I won 2002 and 2003 US Men's National Titles, a 2003 PAL National Title. I had a lot of international experience being the #1 ranked flyweight for about 3 years. So I had a great amateur career."

BoxingScene: Do you feel you have gotten the fights you deserved so far?

Martinez: "Yea I feel so far I've fought good opposition. They pushed me and took me the rounds. Fought for the IBA world title and NABF title last year. I feel good about my career so far. Now it's time to fight the best out there."

Ryan Songalia is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. He can be contacted at songaliaboxing@aol.com .