By Ryan Burton
 
2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes Martirosyan (27-0) is winding down training camp and is anxious to step in the ring with fellow undefeated prospect Joe Greene (22-0) on June 5th.  The Armenian plans on looking spectacular and looks forward to proving the doubters wrong after his admittedly less than stellar performance versus Kassim Ouma.  See what else the "Nightmare had to say in this exclusive BoxingScene interview.
 
BoxingScene.com:  So how is training camp winding down?
 
Vanes Martirosyan:  It has gone really good.  We had sparring today and Freddie (Roach) had to stop me and I thought I had done something wrong.  Freddie was like "You are ready.  You don't need to spar anymore.  You are good to go."  He has never done that to me.  It was the first time.  Everybody is telling me this is the best they have seen me in the gym.  I am in really good shape and I feel that I am stronger than I have ever been before.  This fight is going to be really good for me.  I think this is going to be a fight that opens a lot of people's eyes.  Whoever has been doubting me will be jumping on my wagon."
 
BoxingScene.com:  When we have talked in the past you said you weren't very satisfied with your performance versus Kassim Ouma.  Is that dissatisfaction fueling your hunger for this fight?
 
Vanes Martirosyan:  The Ouma fight is all done.  All I can do with that fight is learn from it and move on.  I learned a lot from the Ouma fight.  I learned that you never underestimate your opponent.  Ouma is a great champion and I respected him.  I looked at Ouma just like everybody else looked at Ouma, thinking that he was shot and that he was done.  After the fight I spoke with him and he told me that he was in the best shape of his career for that fight.  That was a fight he really took serious and he trained really hard for it.  That really meant a lot to me and he also told me that I have what it takes to be a world champion.  I learned a lot in the fight and like you said yes it does push me to do better in this fight.  At the same time I am fighting for myself and I want to show the world what I can do.  I especially want to show the people who think that I just don't have it when I do have it.
 
BoxingScene.com:  When do you arrive in New York?
 
Vanes Martirosyan:  I will be in New York on Monday night.
 
BoxingScene.com:  I know you are not big on watching tapes but your team watches them.  What have Freddie and Alex (Ariza) told you to look out for?  What does Joe Greene bring to the table that you have to watch out for?
 
Vanes Martirosyan:  Joe Greene is a young fighter who is hungry just like I am.  To tell you the truth the only time time I have seen Joe Greene fight was a long time ago on ESPN.  The tapes that they sent me I have only seen when my trainers were watching them or my dad was watching them and I was coming down stairs to put on my shoes to go to practice.  That is the only time I have seen him fight.  I didn't really watch the tapes.  Freddie watched all the fights when they were coming back from New York from Amir's (Khan) fight.  They studied them very well.  Brad Goodman from Top Rank sent the tapes and Freddie saw the fights plus my other trainer Roman and Alex Ariza saw the tapes so I trust in my team and I am just going to do what they tell me to do.  It has been working for me so far in the gym.  They are telling me what my opponents mistakes are and I have been doing what I am supposed to do.  Rather than me looking at the tape myself I would rather they tell me what to do because I think I fight better that way. 
 
BoxingScene.com:  What do you think a win over Joe Greene on HBO will lead to?
 
Vanes Martirosyan:  I think the sky is the limit.  I just resigned with Top Rank and Shelly Finkel.  They are a great team.  They have done their part and now its time for me to do mine.  I think this year is going to be a big year for me.  I don't want to be the type of fighter who is just looking for the money fights.  I want to fight the best out there because that is what I got into this sport to do.  I want to prove to myself and to everybody that I am the best.  I don't just want to fight fights just to make money.  I really want to fight the best.  If everything goes well with Joe Greene on the 5th I really really want to fight Paul Williams.  I know everybody will think I am crazy for saying that but I just want that shot to be the champ.  It is just like when Paul Williams wanted to fight Margarito and everybody was like what, with Margarito?  I just want that opportunity and I know that I will shine.  I do better with the bigger and better guys.  It is time for me to step up and I think that Top Rank has done a great job and this year the sky is the limit for me.
 
BoxingScene.com:  How does it feel to be fighting in Yankee Stadium?
 
Vanes Martirosyan:  I fought in New York as an amateur.  I fought in New Jersey close by also.  I am undefeated around that area.  Yankee Stadium is something big.  One of my dreams was to fight at Madison Square Garden.  Now to be one of the first to fight at the new Yankee Stadium, it is a historic night, and it is a blessing.  I am just very excited and very happy.  I just can't wait to put on a show for everybody.
 
BoxingScene.com:  Which way are you leaning in the main event?
 
Vanes Martirosyan: I think the main event between Cotto and Foreman is 50-50.  I don't know which Cotto is going to show up to fight Yuri Foreman.  Yuri is a great fighter and so is Miguel Cotto.  Everybody knows that.  Foreman is good on his feet.  I know that Manny Steward is now with Cotto.  Depending on what changes Miguel Cotto is going to make and which Miguel Cotto shows up is going to determine the fight.  I think it will come down to who wants it the most.  If Cotto can cut the ring off and stop Yuri Foreman in his tracks I think he can do a lot of damage.  I think it is 50-50.
 
BoxingScene.com:  Do you have a message for the fans?
 
Vanes Martirosyan:  I want to thank you Ryan for doing this interview with me.  I want to thank the fans for their continued support.  This year is going to be our year.  Who ever has been supporting me we are going to be going to the top together.  When I win we win.  It is not only my victory, it is our victory.  Thanks again for the interview.
 
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