No Roman holiday for Martinez
Roman Martinez is looking forward to some sightseeing when he comes to Scotland to defend his WBO super-featherweight title against Ricky Burns at Glasgow's Kelvin Hall on September 4.
The Puerto Rican champion has been given tips by a Scottish chiropractor who shares his gym and first on the list will be a trip to Edinburgh for the Festival.
Unbeaten Martinez, speaking through an interpreter during a conference call yesterday, said: "I have never been to Scotland before but I know Nicky Kirk, a Scottish chiropractor who has been over here for a year. He doesn't know anything about boxing but he comes to the gym and he has been telling me places to go when I am in Scotland."
"One place we will hopefully be visiting is Edinburgh for the Festival, but we will see when we get over there.
"But I have no problems going to Glasgow; I am ready to go there and return with my title.
"I think I will win the fight by knockout. I have been training very well - it has been a great training camp.
"I will be working to the body in the early rounds to try and wear him down before I stop him."
Burns is hoping Martinez returns to Puerto Rico having enjoyed his first trip to Scotland but minus his belt.
After months of wrangling between the two camps, the Coatbridge boxer will at last get his title chance against Martinez who won the title by beating Nicky Cook in Manchester last year.
Burns, 27, claimed he will be inspired by the impressive Martinez who is odds-on favourite to win. "I know that by fighting Roman I am stepping up to world class," the Scotsman said. "But he gives me the fear factor and that will give me the edge.The better the opponent, the better I box."
Date published :
22 Jul 2010 - 10:32:34
