By Rey Colon
Roman 'Rocky' Martinez, champion of the WBO at 130-pounds, may be walking away from a planned fight with Mikey Garcia (32-0, 27 KO's), because the Puerto Rican champion is not happy with the terms being presented for the fight. Instead, he may choose to unify with Argenis Mendez (21-2, 11 KO's), the champion of the IBF, or defend his belt against Yuriorkis Gamboa (23-0, 16 KO's).
"Rocky wants to fight in Puerto Rico in late September or early October and Garcia is not the only option. People on behalf of Gamboa and Mendez have made approaches to fight Martinez and they are willing to fight in Puerto Rico," said a source with knowledge of the details.
Besides the fact that both Mendez and Gamboa are willing to face him in Puerto Rico, they monetary offers are reportedly higher than what Martinez is being offered to face Garcia outside of Puerto Rico.
Martinez has told member of his team that he won't fight Garcia in November unless Top Rank increases the financial terms for the fight. According to the source, Martinez feels disrespected by the offer he received for Garcia and says the financial terms to face Gamboa or Mendez are more attractive at the moment.
"Rocky is hurt. He's fought lately with several top contenders and he expected a big purse to face Garcia but it seems that he is not being valued. He wants to fight in the coming months and he is training hard. But unless they up the offer, he will not fight with Garcia," the source said.
